La Rioja Alta - Rioja 904 Gran Reserva 2010

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La Rioja Alta Description

We consider this vintage one of the best of the century. The reasons are very propitious weather allowing the vines to be in excellent condition, both in terms of development and health-wise, and very moderate production due to some shatter during flowering. The result was very loose, medium-sized clusters with small berries. This vintage can be classified as one of the most Atlantic in recent years, allowing for wines of great freshness and complexity, optimal for long barrel aging. This vintage was officially rated Excellent as well.

Medium-high depth, cherry–red with a garnet rim. Very intense in aromas. Complex, with notes of plums and ripe grapes, jam of blackberries and red raspberries that give way to spicy and balsamic notes of tobacco leaves, cedar, liquorice, vanilla, chocolate and ground coffee. Good entry. Fresh and balanced in the mouth, with polished, silky tannins and a gentle, delicate finish. Very long aftertaste, with balsamic notes of coffee and toasted caramel, candied fruits and liquorice dominating these pleasant sensations.

Main courses, all kinds of meats, stews and desserts with couverture chocolate. Ideal as an after-dinner drink.

Wine Advocate: 96 Points

It seems like yesterday when the superb 2001 was released, and now I already have the 2010 Gran Reserva 904 in my glass. It has to be among the greatest modern time vintages of this mythical bottling, where they aim for a wine that has a long aging potential. This is mostly Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 13.5% alcohol, and it matured in fourth-used American oak barrels for four years, during which time the wine was racked every six months. It has the combination of elegance and power only the best vintages are capable of, with the classical aromas, great detail and nuance, very good balance and persistence. They consider 2010 among the best years of this century, and maybe future generations will talk about 2010 like we talk about the great classical vintages of yesterday today. The palate is polished but shows plenty of energy and tension, the tannins are very fine and elegant, and the flavors are focused and clean. This has to be one of the greatest wines from the vintage. A legend in the making.