Wine: La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 1978
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Viticulture:
A portion of the Tempranillo is sourced from the winery’s oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in Ollauri, Rodezno, and Cenicero. Mazuelo and Graciano originate 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 best clusters, requiring a minimum potential alcohol of 12% and no inclusion of white varieties.
A portion of the Tempranillo is sourced from the winery’s oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in Ollauri, Rodezno, and Cenicero. Mazuelo and Graciano originate 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 best clusters, requiring a minimum potential alcohol of 12% and no inclusion of white varieties.
Winemaking:
Initial grape selection upon arrival at the winery. The wine spent 8 to 10 months in the founding century-old "grey wood" oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization. It matured for a minimum of 72 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to a total of 12 manual rackings by candlelight. Bottled in mid-1985. Aged for a minimum of 42 months in the winery’s underground bottle racks before commercial release.
Initial grape selection upon arrival at the winery. The wine spent 8 to 10 months in the founding century-old "grey wood" oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization. It matured for a minimum of 72 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to a total of 12 manual rackings by candlelight. Bottled in mid-1985. Aged for a minimum of 42 months in the winery’s underground bottle racks before commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-ruby color with medium depth; limpid and absolutely
sediment-free. Brilliant and vivid with reddish and orange reflections.
Broad, fully tile-colored rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Initially somewhat closed and of medium intensity, showcasing an
exquisitely fine reduction (old leather, stable, exotic woods). It is
remarkably elegant, requiring aeration to fully unfold. It reveals notes
of scented woods, cedar, sandalwood, and incense, over a background of
fine cabinetry and sweet spices. A persistent core of dried and slightly
liqueur-like fruit (maraschino cherries, candied orange) remains
present.
Palate:
Soft and light-bodied with a velvety texture, avoiding excessive
concentration. It flows discreetly and is fully integrated, featuring
nuances of reduced, piquant red fruit and a still-vibrant acidity.
Elegant! Stylistically, it mirrors the 1976 vintage so closely that it
is nearly impossible to distinguish between them in a blind tasting;
both are clearly cut from the same legendary pattern.
Commentary:
A 904 of great pedigree and finesse that epitomizes the house style of the late 70s. While perhaps not as powerful as other vintages, its balance and silkiness are exemplary. It is a wine that favors subtlety and historical precision over raw impact.
A 904 of great pedigree and finesse that epitomizes the house style of the late 70s. While perhaps not as powerful as other vintages, its balance and silkiness are exemplary. It is a wine that favors subtlety and historical precision over raw impact.
Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Average: 93
Tasting Group Average: 93
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