Description
The 2015 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Selección Especial is a remarkable expression from one of Rioja's most esteemed wineries. This vintage holds particular significance as it's the first time the "Selección Especial" designation has been awarded to the 904 label, highlighting the exceptional quality of the 2015 harvest.
Blend and Winemaking:
This wine is composed of 90% Tempranillo sourced from vines over 60 years old in Villalba, Briñas, and Rodezno, and 10% Graciano from the Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor. The grapes underwent meticulous selection, including optical sorting, and were fermented in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation followed, after which the wine was 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 depth with a cherry-red color and a 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 97 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.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Gave it 95 points, emphasizing its subtlety, elegance, finesse, delicacy, and silkiness. The review highlighted the wine's balanced ripeness, aging potential, and the decision to hold it longer in the bottle to polish the tannins, marking it as one of the finest vintages.
Wine
Serving Recommendations:
This wine pairs excellently with all kinds of meats, stews, seasoned fish, and desserts with chocolate or red fruit toppings. 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 2015 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Selección Especial 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.