La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1997

Wine: La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1997

Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano.
ABV: 13.2%
Viticulture

The Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-zone, 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

Alcoholic fermentation lasted 12 days, followed by devatting (descube) five days later. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in stainless steel tanks over 35 days. In March 1998, the wines were transferred to new French oak barrels for 4 years of maturation, being racked using the traditional "barrel-to-barrel" method every 6 months. Lightly filtered before bottling in April 2002.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: A stable, brilliant, and luminous reddish-ruby of medium-high depth; remarkably vivid with orange highlights. It features a copper rim that merges almost seamlessly with the meniscus.

 

Nose: High-toned and expressive, this vintage showcases a masterful balance between classic oxidative aging and a lavish core of ripe black fruit (blackberries, currants, dark plums). Fragrant and multi-layered, it exhales a perfumed backdrop of petals and withered flowers, punctuated by accents of black pepper and toasted bread. As it breathes, sophisticated notes of aromatic coffee, cocoa powder, and creamy textures emerge, supported by savory undertones of aged leather, down feathers, and game. It already exhibits the quintessential virtues of a "youthful" 904, with no signs of advanced bottle evolution. It is poised for further development.

 

Palate: Robust and impeccably balanced, consistent with the house's finest efforts. Driven by an excellent acidity, the palate is savory and graced with a high-quality hint of sweetness. It is filled with ripe fruit and possesses a silky, earthy texture, underpinned by ultra-fine yet firm and spirited tannins. A touch of noble bitterness extends the finish indefinitely. This red appears to have reached its definitive focus in recent months, embodying everything one expects from a benchmark 904: recognizable, faithful to its origin, and utterly essential.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 92