Wine: La Rioja Alta 890 Gran Reserva 1995Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.7%
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.7%
Viticulture
The Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in Rioja Alta, primarily within the municipalities of Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno.
The Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in Rioja Alta, primarily within the municipalities of Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno.
Winemaking
Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (conducted over 15 days at a controlled 30°C), the wine was racked into 225-liter American oak barriques in June 1996. It underwent an extensive élevage of 72 months, including 12 traditional manual rackings. Bottled directly from the barrel, unfiltered, in July 2002. Limited production of 10,122 bottles (75 cl).
Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (conducted over 15 days at a controlled 30°C), the wine was racked into 225-liter American oak barriques in June 1996. It underwent an extensive élevage of 72 months, including 12 traditional manual rackings. Bottled directly from the barrel, unfiltered, in July 2002. Limited production of 10,122 bottles (75 cl).
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Garnet-cherry hue of medium-high depth.
Unusually extracted and "closed" for a young 890. Brilliant and limpid
with reddish reflections. It features a copper rim with a marked
transition to the meniscus and thick, tinted legs.
Nose:
Remarkably subtle and hermetic. While low in initial intensity, it
possesses an overwhelming complexity—mysterious and demanding. It
requires deep concentration to unveil a classic spectrum of descriptors:
noble wood, toasted nuances, reduced fruit, leather, cinnamon, smoke,
and wet earth. It remains unyielding, possessing the raw potential of a
broth that has yet to reach its boiling point.
Palate: Powerful, austere, and lean.
Driven by a staggering acidity and a seismic-proof structure. It is
fresh, energetic, and packed with high-quality spicy and peppery fruit.
The wine exudes an intimate sense of immense longevity; however, it
remains entirely raw and unformed at this stage. While it can be drunk
with fervor, it is merely a shadow of what it will become in several
decades. A monumental red crafted in the style of bygone eras—the
definitive idea of a "great wine." A guaranteed bet for those with the
patience to cellar it for 25 or 30 years.
Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Score: 95
Tasting Group Score: 95
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