La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1970

Wine: La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1970
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, 10% Viura
ABV: 12.5%
Viticulture

A portion of the Tempranillo is sourced from the estate's oldest vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-zone, primarily within the municipalities of Ollauri, Rodezno, and Cenicero. The Mazuelo and Graciano components come from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno. A small percentage of the blend was purchased from local growers following a rigorous selection of the finest plots, contingent upon reaching a minimum of 12% potential alcohol and with a strict "no white grape" policy for those specific parcels.
Winemaking

 Meticulous grape selection upon arrival. The wine spent 12 months in the winery’s foundational centennial oak vats (grey wood) to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It was then aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of 72 months, undergoing a total of 9 manual rackings (trasiegas) to remove sediment and allow for gentle aeration. Finally, it was aged in the bottle for a minimum of 42 months prior to release.

 

Tasting Notes:
 

Appearance: Stable, medium-high depth (capa) brownish-ruby, visually similar to the 1968 vintage. There is a very fine sediment at the base of the bottle that requires careful handling. It displays copper and orange highlights with broad, dense legs (tears). The rim is narrow and tawny (tile-red).

 

Nose: Initially somewhat shy and understated. It presents subtle liqueur-like and smoky notes alongside a perfumed scent of withered petals, ground cloves, and a refined vegetal hint. This profile steadily expands to reveal a very pure and deep Tempranillo varietal character, occasionally framed by a series of classic tertiary notes: wine-soaked oak, earthy leaf litter, Virginia pipe tobacco, linseed oil, and cedar. Classic and unmistakable—a textbook "904".

 

Palate: The experience on the palate is quite the opposite of the nose's initial restraint. It is lively, with significant weight and presence, yet maintains a freshness and certain lightness in its stride that makes it highly addictive. Structured and classic at the same time, it is less "rocky" or stern than the 1964. It is currently in a spectacular drinking window and appears, unlike other vintages, to have reached its absolute peak. The acidity is seamlessly integrated, and the tannins are luxurious—velvety and supple. I would not hesitate to enjoy what it has to offer right now.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 93