La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2004

Tasting notes and serving recommendations for La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2004

Tasting

Appearance
The wine shows a deep, brilliant cherry-red color, edged with a subtle brick rim that attests to its graceful evolution.

Nose
The bouquet is intense, elegant, and complex, revealing balsamic aromas alongside notes of vanilla and coconut. Hints of chocolate and truffle intertwine harmoniously with a core of candied fruit.

Palate
On the palate, this wine enchants with perfect balance and refined acidity. Fine, silky, enveloping tannins lead into a long, complex finish marked by roasted coffee, spices, and candied fruit.

Food and wine pairing

This Gran Reserva pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, herb-crusted Provençal-style lamb, slow-braised dishes in sauce, and characterful aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Serve Gran Reserva 904 2004 at 62.5°F (17°C). Decant for one hour to fully express its aromatic complexity.

A Rioja Gran Reserva with refined, complex aromatics

The estate

Founded in 1890 by five families, La Rioja Alta remains a benchmark in La Rioja. This family-owned estate upholds traditional methods and exceptionally long aging exclusively in American oak. La Rioja Alta embodies the perfect balance of rigor, patience, and style.

The vineyard

The grapes for this Gran Reserva come from the finest plots in Rioja Alta. Tempranillo from 40-plus-year-old vines in the villages of Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba is complemented by Graciano grown in the Melchorón I and II vineyards in Briones and Rodezno.

The vintage

The 2004 vintage enjoyed exceptional weather conditions. A favorable winter built up good water reserves, enabling vigorous canopy growth in spring and summer. Marked day–night temperature swings fostered a long, even ripening, particularly beneficial for Graciano.

Winemaking and aging

Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, Gran Reserva 904 2004 was aged from January 2005 to January 2009 in American oak barrels crafted in the estate’s own cooperage. Traditional rackings from barrel to barrel were carried out every six months. Since February 2009, the wine has continued to refine in bottle.

Grape varieties

90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, reflecting the typicity of great wines from Rioja Alta.