Wine: La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1982Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Viticulture
A portion of the Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-zone, primarily from the municipalities of Ollauri, Rodezno, and Cenicero. The Mazuelo and Graciano come from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno. A small part of the blend was purchased from local growers’ finest plots under strict selection criteria: no white grape blending and a natural sugar content sufficient to reach a minimum of 12% alcohol.
A portion of the Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-zone, primarily from the municipalities of Ollauri, Rodezno, and Cenicero. The Mazuelo and Graciano come from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno. A small part of the blend was purchased from local growers’ finest plots under strict selection criteria: no white grape blending and a natural sugar content sufficient to reach a minimum of 12% alcohol.
Winemaking
Rigorous grape selection upon arrival at the winery. The wine spent 6 months in the winery’s foundational century-old large oak vats (of "grey wood"), where it completed malolactic fermentation and stabilized. It was then aged in 225-liter American oak barrels for a minimum of 60 months, undergoing 10 manual rackings to remove sediment and allow for gentle aeration. Bottled in March 1988, followed by a minimum of 42 months of bottle aging prior to its commercial release.
Rigorous grape selection upon arrival at the winery. The wine spent 6 months in the winery’s foundational century-old large oak vats (of "grey wood"), where it completed malolactic fermentation and stabilized. It was then aged in 225-liter American oak barrels for a minimum of 60 months, undergoing 10 manual rackings to remove sediment and allow for gentle aeration. Bottled in March 1988, followed by a minimum of 42 months of bottle aging prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
The exceptional quality of the vintage is immediately evident in the
wine’s color stability and intensity. A medium-high depth ruby-garnet;
bright, clean, with reddish and amber highlights. The orange rim shows a
distinct contrast against the meniscus. Pronounced, persistent legs
suggest a significant sense of body and viscosity.
Nose:
A masterclass in Riojan classicism and traditional aging. This is a
powerful, expressive, and communicative "904," showcasing all the
virtues that have defined La Rioja Alta’s greatness. Notes of
wine-soaked staves meld with red fruit preserves, sun-dried tomatoes,
and an intensely spiced profile. Aromas of candied fruit, pastry cream,
and brioche intertwine with smoked pepper and acetic balsamic
undertones, grape syrup (arrope),
and caramelized sugar, leading into scorched oak and charcoal. A
stunning aromatic palette. It remains remarkably powerful yet maintains
great finesse, exhaling exotic woods, coffee beans, and citrus zest.
Palate:
It strikes a perfect balance between vibrancy and finesse. Reminiscent
of the 1975 vintage, it is unctuous, with a piercing acidity and
freshness. Rich and savory, offering notes of sweet citrus, piquant
spices, and fruit in its prime, balanced by elegant bitters and creamy
oak. The tannins are sweet and velvety, yet vibrate with energy and
vigor. It lingers indefinitely on the palate with an enveloping finish
of candied red fruit. A truly monumental wine.
Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 94
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