Wine: La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 2000Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
The Tempranillo is sourced from the winery’s oldest estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, primarily from Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno. All vines are over 40 years old. Alcoholic fermentation took 17 days, followed by devatting four days later. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in stainless steel tanks over 33 days. In December 2001, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (average age of 4 years) for a 4-year aging period, with traditional manual rackings every six months. Following a very light filtration, it was bottled in January 2006 and aged for at least five years in the winery’s cellars before release.
The Tempranillo is sourced from the winery’s oldest estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, primarily from Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba. The remaining grapes originate from the Melchorón I and II estates in Briones and Rodezno. All vines are over 40 years old. Alcoholic fermentation took 17 days, followed by devatting four days later. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in stainless steel tanks over 33 days. In December 2001, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (average age of 4 years) for a 4-year aging period, with traditional manual rackings every six months. Following a very light filtration, it was bottled in January 2006 and aged for at least five years in the winery’s cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Ruby-red with medium depth; very clean. Brilliant and refulgent with pomegranate and copper reflections. Broad, tawny rim.
Nose:
It presents itself as fully expressive and direct, packed with aromas
of ripe and macerated red fruit (plums, orange marmalade), withered
flowers, molasses, and pipe tobacco. These gradually yield to customary
fine reductive notes: leather, cigar humidor, and tung oil. It is an
excellent exercise for identifying descriptors, though it remains
straightforward. After a couple of hours, the initial complexity settles
into a woody plane, with hints of vanilla and a correct varietal
expression.
Palate:
Polished, mature, and soft on the palate, showing great balance and
correct acidity. It features fine bitter notes and traces of
high-quality toast. The tannins are cushioned and caressing. Everything
is in its place, impeccably orderly.
Commentary:
Three years of extra bottle age have done wonders for this wine. While it previously seemed somewhat simple, it has now blossomed into a direct and thoroughly enjoyable "904." It is not the most complex vintage, raising some doubts about its long-term aging potential—a concern rarely associated with this winery in decades past—but it is certainly worthwhile. It is striking how little the 2000 and 2001 vintages have in common despite their proximity.
Three years of extra bottle age have done wonders for this wine. While it previously seemed somewhat simple, it has now blossomed into a direct and thoroughly enjoyable "904." It is not the most complex vintage, raising some doubts about its long-term aging potential—a concern rarely associated with this winery in decades past—but it is certainly worthwhile. It is striking how little the 2000 and 2001 vintages have in common despite their proximity.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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