Wine: La Rioja Alta 890 Gran Reserva 1982
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.
Viticulture:
Tempranillo is sourced from the oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in the municipalities of Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno.
Tempranillo is sourced from the oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in the municipalities of Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno.
Winemaking:
Selection of grapes upon arrival at the winery. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine is then transferred to large, century-old "grey wood" oak vats from the founding era for 6 months to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It matured for 96 months in 225-liter American oak barrels crafted by the winery's own cooperage, with 15 manual rackings performed in the iconic Vigier cellar. Bottled directly from the barrel in June 1991, unfiltered. Limited production of 7,100 bottles. Minimum of 72 months of bottle aging before commercial release.
Selection of grapes upon arrival at the winery. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine is then transferred to large, century-old "grey wood" oak vats from the founding era for 6 months to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It matured for 96 months in 225-liter American oak barrels crafted by the winery's own cooperage, with 15 manual rackings performed in the iconic Vigier cellar. Bottled directly from the barrel in June 1991, unfiltered. Limited production of 7,100 bottles. Minimum of 72 months of bottle aging before commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-red color with medium-high depth; dark and opaque—quite a
contrast to the clarity of the 1981 vintage. Coppery and amber
reflections, brilliant. Broad orange rim, sharply defined against the
meniscus.
Nose:
Requires extensive aeration to emerge from its bottled lethargy (7
hours recommended). After the fourth hour, it begins to sketch fine
notes of toast, leather, and very soft, almost mentholated balsamics. It
evolves into a lesson in wetlands and earthy notes: dry leaves and
coffee beans. High quality and abundance, though still seeking total
unity. It conveys a clear need for more time in the bottle.
Palate:
Highly sapid and concentrated. It possesses an extreme acidity that,
while seemingly uncontrolled, finds its place within an ensemble
amplified by a structural "skeleton" only found in Rioja's greatest
giants. More energetic than powerful, with a measured vigor that pushes
and refreshes. Full of juicy red fruit and exquisite purity. Extremely
well-integrated with luxurious tannins.
Commentary:
This 890 is a Gran Reserva that does full honor to its house. It has the strength of a great '82 and will likely take another 20 years to reach its absolute peak. Once fully integrated, it will be unbeatable.
This 890 is a Gran Reserva that does full honor to its house. It has the strength of a great '82 and will likely take another 20 years to reach its absolute peak. Once fully integrated, it will be unbeatable.
Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Average: 95
Tasting Group Average: 95
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