Description
The 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is a distinguished wine from the renowned La Rioja Alta winery, showcasing the classic elegance of traditional Rioja. This vintage is a blend of 89% Tempranillo from vines over 60 years old in Briñas, Rodezno, and Villalba, and 11% Graciano from the Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor. The grapes were meticulously harvested and transported in refrigerated vehicles to preserve their integrity. After fermentation, the wine aged for four years in American oak barrels crafted by the winery's own coopers, with traditional rackings every six months. Bottling took place in February 2020.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Medium-high robe with an elegant garnet rim.
Aroma: Great aromatic complexity, featuring notes of wild strawberry, red cherry, plum, blackberry, and cranberry, intertwined with aromas of tobacco, brioche, ground coffee, caramel, cedar, and cinnamon blossom.
Palate: Elegantly balanced with polished, gentle tannins and freshness, providing a smooth and refined mouthfeel. The finish is fine, delicate, and very long, suggesting excellent cellaring potential.
Critical Acclaim:
James Suckling: Awarded 96 points, noting the wine's lovely dried red fruit, such as plums with just a hint of prunes, cedar, walnut, and leather undertones. He described it as full-bodied with lots of fruit, considering its age, and highlighted hints of smoke, tobacco, bark, and black tea, with some balsamic at the finish.
Wine Review Online: Scored 95 points, describing the wine as strikingly seductive, filled with contrasts—bold and rustic, yet delicate and nimble. Notes of dusty books and pipe tobacco intertwine with subtle undercurrents of dried flowers and ripe cherries.
Serving Recommendations:
This wine pairs excellently with all kinds of meats, stews, main courses, and desserts with couverture chocolate. It is also ideal as an after-dinner drink. Given its aging potential, it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.
In summary, the 2011 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 exemplifies the winery's dedication to producing wines of elegance and complexity, offering a harmonious blend of fruit, spice, and refined tannins that reflect the best of traditional Rioja winemaking.