La Rioja Alta, S.A. - Gran Reserva 904 Cosecha 2009
Pairing Suggestions
La Rioja Alta, S.A. - Gran Reserva 904 Cosecha 2009 (92 TSW)
Tempranillo (90%) from vines over 60 years old planted in Briñas, Labastida and Villalba, and Graciano (10%) from their Montecillo vineyard in the municipality of Fuenmayor.
The grapes were collected in boxes and transported to the winery in refrigerated vehicles to preserve all their integrity. After gentle destemming and crushing, the musts were put in stainless steel tanks where they underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature. In April 2010, the wine was transferred to 4-year-old American oak barrels (made in-house). During ageing, the wine was racked every six months using traditional barrel-to-barrel methods. The final blend was bottled in November 2014.
Winter water reserves enabled the grapes to reach the end of the cycle in a balanced condition, despite significant heat and drought during the summer. Rain in mid September slowed down grape ripening, resulting in good alcoholic and phenolic balance. It was a decisive turning point, producing a highquality vintage as, after that, they enjoyed favourable weather that made this Gran Reserva possible.
Not every year they make this wine. Only in the best years like 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005 etc.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a deep ruby garnet red color with light brick color at the edges.
On the medium+ nose aromas of dark cherries, plums and berries with hints of smoke, herbs, sandalwood, cigarbox and leather.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium acidity and medium+ fine ripe tannins. Complex flavours of dark cherries, vanilla, smoke, chocolate and earthy hints. Round mouthfeel with enough freshness and a medium+ berries in ceder aftertaste.
A great Rioja, which goes best with the legendary Asado de cordero a la riojana, roast lamb in the Rioja style.