Wine: Marqués de Haro 1989 Gran Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking:
A rigorous selection of grapes sourced entirely from the winery’s oldest vineyards. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine was transferred to the centennial wooden vats typically reserved for the 890 and 904 Gran Reservas. It remained there for 8 months to undergo malolactic fermentation before racking. The wine then matured for 57 months in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels, undergoing 10 manual rackings. It was bottled in March 1995 without prior filtration. Production was limited to 6,000 double magnums.
A rigorous selection of grapes sourced entirely from the winery’s oldest vineyards. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine was transferred to the centennial wooden vats typically reserved for the 890 and 904 Gran Reservas. It remained there for 8 months to undergo malolactic fermentation before racking. The wine then matured for 57 months in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels, undergoing 10 manual rackings. It was bottled in March 1995 without prior filtration. Production was limited to 6,000 double magnums.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; limpid and brilliant. Featuring
radiant amber and garnet reflections. Very narrow coppery rim.
Nose:
An overwhelming display; high-intensity aromas that appear wild,
youthful, and highly concentrated. It interweaves notes of ripe red and
black fruit with toasted nuances of cocoa powder and ground black
pepper. A balsamic trail of grape skins, licorice, and eucalyptus adds
depth. With aeration, it "opens like a flower," revealing pure, perfumed
Tempranillo traits—petals, lilacs, and geraniums—that prevail over a
backdrop of noble wood, leather, and earthy notes. It possesses all the
elements to evolve into a truly stately profile.
Palate:
It brandishes a piercing acidity that grips the palate. Concentrated
and nervous, it is more linear than expansive, packed with high-quality
acidic fruit that momentarily overshadows the secondary notes. Spices,
toasted hints, and refined bitters are present but currently softened by
the wine's immense initial drive.
Commentary:
The 1989 Marqués de Haro is a rare and vital special edition from La Rioja Alta S.A. While it shares some stylistic DNA with a 904, it presents a much more robust and vigorous character. Given its concentration and the double magnum format, its aging curve is expected to be exceptionally long, likely taking decades to reach its full plateau of maturity. A monumental wine of "sacramental" quality, built to endure.
The 1989 Marqués de Haro is a rare and vital special edition from La Rioja Alta S.A. While it shares some stylistic DNA with a 904, it presents a much more robust and vigorous character. Given its concentration and the double magnum format, its aging curve is expected to be exceptionally long, likely taking decades to reach its full plateau of maturity. A monumental wine of "sacramental" quality, built to endure.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 94
Tasting Group Average: 94
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