Wine: La Rioja Alta 890 Gran Reserva 1987
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:
First selection of grapes in the vineyard. Tempranillo is sourced from the oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes come from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno, as well as from traditional growers in the area. All vineyards are over 40 years old.
First selection of grapes in the vineyard. Tempranillo is sourced from the oldest estate vineyards in the Rioja Alta subzone, primarily in Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes come from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno, as well as from traditional growers in the area. All vineyards are over 40 years old.
Winemaking:
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature (max 30°C). The wine spends 6 months in century-old oak vats from the founding era to complete malolactic fermentation and clarification. A second selection follows before aging. In February 1988, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (20% new, 80% with an average age of 4 years), handcrafted in the winery's own cooperage. It matured for 96 months with a total of 15 manual rackings by candlelight in the emblematic Vigier cellar. Bottled directly from the barrel, unfiltered, in March 1996. Minimum of 60 months of bottle aging in the cellars before release.
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature (max 30°C). The wine spends 6 months in century-old oak vats from the founding era to complete malolactic fermentation and clarification. A second selection follows before aging. In February 1988, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (20% new, 80% with an average age of 4 years), handcrafted in the winery's own cooperage. It matured for 96 months with a total of 15 manual rackings by candlelight in the emblematic Vigier cellar. Bottled directly from the barrel, unfiltered, in March 1996. Minimum of 60 months of bottle aging in the cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-ruby color with medium-high depth; dark, clean, and
sediment-free. Luminous and brilliant with reddish and orange
reflections. Narrow, slightly coppery rim, sharply defined against the
meniscus.
Nose:
Medium intensity, revealing fine aging notes and vanilla, joined by a
trail of laurel and sage that persists throughout the tasting. Still,
calm, and consistent, with no trace of excessive ripeness blurring the
usual load of reduced fruit. Hints of gunpowder, old leather, musk, and
orange peel come and go.
Palate:
Sparkling with acidity, cold, giving the sensation of still taking its
first steps. No trace of wood; pure and somewhat wild for its age. A
Rioja Alta in the reserved line of the 1985 vintage, contrasting with
the total openness of the 1989 (perhaps the most immediate 890 for
current consumption). The brand's style is well-defined here, without
concessions.
Commentary:
It confirms its status as the best cellaring option in Rioja for those wanting to rescue a wine at its peak in 30 years. Interestingly, the gap between this and the 904 from 1987 is not as clear as in other vintages. It would be fascinating to compare them in a few decades—if we are still around to see it.
It confirms its status as the best cellaring option in Rioja for those wanting to rescue a wine at its peak in 30 years. Interestingly, the gap between this and the 904 from 1987 is not as clear as in other vintages. It would be fascinating to compare them in a few decades—if we are still around to see it.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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