Wine: La Rioja Alta Cosecha 1904
Winery: Sociedad de Cosecheros de Vino - La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: No precise data available (predominantly Tempranillo and Garnacha blend, with Mazuelo, Graciano, and Viura).
Winery: Sociedad de Cosecheros de Vino - La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: No precise data available (predominantly Tempranillo and Garnacha blend, with Mazuelo, Graciano, and Viura).
ABV: 12% vol.
Winemaking:
While reliable records are scarce, the wine followed the traditional vinification system of the era: fermentation in the winery's original 18,000-liter wooden vats. In this case, the oak was relatively new as the wine dates from the winery's early years. It underwent a long stay in these vats (at least 12 months) before being transferred to used American oak barrels of various capacities. The aging lasted between 6 and 10 years, with periodic manual rackings. It was likely commercialized in the mid-1940s.
While reliable records are scarce, the wine followed the traditional vinification system of the era: fermentation in the winery's original 18,000-liter wooden vats. In this case, the oak was relatively new as the wine dates from the winery's early years. It underwent a long stay in these vats (at least 12 months) before being transferred to used American oak barrels of various capacities. The aging lasted between 6 and 10 years, with periodic manual rackings. It was likely commercialized in the mid-1940s.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
The bottle—weighing heavily and of lower capacity than 75cl—remains in
its original state without re-corking. Tile-colored ruby hue of low
depth; clear and translucent. It presents a significant amount of
sediment in uniform small flakes. The glass is completely sedimented and
opaque, obscuring the interior. Low brilliance with brownish and amber
reflections; no visible rim or meniscus, showing very little remaining
coloring matter.
Nose:
A "sleeper" that awakens with difficulty. It features an
ultra-reductive framework where notes of husk, dried fruits, and incense
mingle, followed by a very soft toasted background. Extremely settled
and docile, it unfolds with nuances of antique shops, varnishes, and
attic air. Over time, a dominant register of old wood, withered
elements, leaf litter, and damp earth takes center stage.
Palate:
The palate does not disappoint. It is gentle, smooth, clear, and clean;
slightly lacking in vigor but still remarkably alive. It long ago
surpassed a merely "polished" state to enter a different dimension of
aging. Tannins have vanished, melted into a vanillic background filled
with earthy tones. It is fleeting, light, and approachable, though not
highly concentrated.
Commentary:
The mythical 1904 vintage is a proverbial wine for La Rioja Alta S.A., the very one that inspired the naming of the current 904 Gran Reserva. At 110 years old, it is difficult to evaluate this 20th-century survivor. For once, we shall avoid saying "it will outlive us all"—this rogue has already buried its entire generation and now looks back at us with a quiet, haunting grin. A truly unsettling and unique experience.
The mythical 1904 vintage is a proverbial wine for La Rioja Alta S.A., the very one that inspired the naming of the current 904 Gran Reserva. At 110 years old, it is difficult to evaluate this 20th-century survivor. For once, we shall avoid saying "it will outlive us all"—this rogue has already buried its entire generation and now looks back at us with a quiet, haunting grin. A truly unsettling and unique experience.
Personal Score: Not rated
Tasting Group Average: Not rated
Tasting Group Average: Not rated
1 comment:
proverbiales, por deu
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