1978 Rioja Gran Reserva 904
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Tasting notes
Blackish ruby. More black than most of these. Very sweet and opulent on the nose – almost gamey. Not so different from an old Châteauneuf. Rose petals too. Lovely array of aromas though the acidity is starting to dominate the fruit. I’d drink this sooner rather than later. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1978 Gran Reserva 904 displays a bouquet of rose petals, dried fruits and herbs, and Asian spices. Savory on the palate with notes of balsamic, it still has superb depth and concentration and impeccable balance. It shows no signs of old age and should drink well for another 10-15 years. La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 in Haro, the capital of Rioja Alta, in close proximity to Lopez de Heredia and Marques de Riscal. The Bodega’s wines are all blends, there are no single vineyard wines, and all of the wines are produced from estate-grown grapes. During my visit in May, 2010, I had the opportunity to taste verticals of 2 of La Rioja Alta’s wines, Vina Ardanza Reserva and Gran Reserva 904. Vina Ardanza’s wines are labeled Reserva with three exceptions. In what La Rioja Alta considers the greatest years (there have been three to date, 2001, 1973, and 1964) the wine is called Reserva Especial. There are usually four vintages a decade of La Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904. It is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano and aged for 5 years in barrel and 5 years in bottle prior to release. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin, www.europvin.com
About the producer
Based in Haro, La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most famous, traditional wine producers – alongside the likes of López de Heredia, Muga and CVNE.