1997 Gran Reserva 904

La Rioja Alta S.A., Rioja Wine Region, Spain

Drinking 2023-2023

1997 Gran Reserva 904

La Rioja Alta S.A., Rioja Wine Region, Spain

Drinking 2023-2023

In Bond

Scores

“Lovely evolution and freshness. Sinewy and like a refreshing poultice on the palate somehow. Camomile aromas and real delicacy. Bravo!”
17.5 points, Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com

“The 1997 Gran Reserva 904 has a slightly aged appearance with its brick-colored rim. Fragrant and complex due to the tertiary aromas from extended time in cask and bottle age, on the palate it is silky, elegant, and beautifully balanced. Its sweet fruit seems to go on and own with no rough edges to be found. It can be enjoyed now but will provide pleasure for another decade. La Rioja Alta continues to be one of the benchmarks for traditionally produced Rioja.”
94 points, Wine Advocate

“This vintage of La Rioja Alta’s 904 highlights its difference as a producer. A ‘good’ rated vintage didn’t stop this quality-conscious winery from producing a superb wine. With its 400ha of vines, La Rioja Alta is almost self-sufficient: unusual among Rioja producers. This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano has seen four years in cask, and a few more in bottle prior to its release. The company imports American oak from Ohio and Pennsylvania, in order to supply the huge requirements of its in-house coopering operation. Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW: An amazing, classic style with unique aromas, round tannins and a velvety texture, finishing suave and gorgeous. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Gloriously smoky American oak. The palate is all about American oak too, but the blend of vanilla and berries is irresistible. Pierre Mansour: Lovely sweetness and vigour here, with the acidity supporting the mellow texture and fruit. A superb classic Rioja.”
97 points, Tasted by Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pierre Mansour at Decanter magazine's March 2018 issue Mature Rioja Panel Tasting, 14 Nov 2017.

“Bright red. Seductively perfumed nose offers a complex bouquet of dried cherry, vanilla, cola, potpourri, smoky minerals and cedar. Silky red berry and cherry flavors are sweetened by vanilla bean and take on tannic structure with air. Becomes deeper and riper on the impressively long, sweet, lightly chewy finish, which strongly echoes the cherry and vanilla qualities. I'd serve this with strongly seasoned grilled steak or lamb.”
92 points, Vinous

Tasting Notes

Aromas of leather and forest floor. Very elegant palate with some cherry fruit flavours, but leather and tobacco notes coming forward. Delicate and complex, with a long, lingering finish.

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Producer
Region

ProducerLa Rioja Alta S.A.

Formed by five families in the late 19th century, the La Rioja Alta S.A. winery is one of the most iconic names in Fine Wine, and a benchmark for the traditional style of Rioja. Their Tempranillo-led reds are aged for remarkably long periods in barrels from the producer’s cooperage, and they are one of the last remaining producers to rack their wines by hand and by candlelight – which they do every six months. While they always upheld standards and tradition, La Rioja Alta S.A. never stopped experimenting and pushing for better quality, offering some of the purest, more precise expressions of Tempranillo in the world.

Tasting Notes

This wine has developed into an incredibly charming and mature Rioja. From a once in a lifetime vintage, the wine contains a complex and vibrant fruit profile characterised by red cherries and strawberries that move onto some hints of darker brambly fruit. The vibrancy of fruit signals plenty of life left in the bottle. Mature notes of liquorice, balsamic and...

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La Rioja Alta S.A., Rioja Wine Region, Spain

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