The new La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 has been released. Long appreciated as one of the wine world’s great insider tips, as always, it has been released at an incredibly reasonable price, with a level of maturity that allows for enjoyment straight out of the blocks. 2010 was officially rated as “Excellent” in Rioja and it certainly is a superlative year for Bodega La Rioja Alta. Comparisons will inevitably be made with the great 2001 vintage in Rioja and time will tell as to whether or not the 2010 has the stuffing to match. What we do know though, is that at an all-in price of just over £40.00 a bottle, for a Gran Reserva wine produced from some of the best fruit in the region and one that spent four years in top quality American oak and a further five years in bottle before release, we’re sure it will not disappoint. The product of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from sixty year old vines spread across the appellation, La Rioja Alta draws from a wide range of complex, high altitude and limestone based soil types to craft this focused, concentrated Rioja. The 2010 is bright and spicy, with classical Riojan notes of balsamic, tobacco and ground coffee, small red berries and red plum. Give this a couple of hours in a decanter before serving to draw the best out of this fine Gran Reserva.
Tim Atkin is so far the only major critic to have tasted and scored the 904 2010. Happily he describes it as “a step up on the memorable 2009, [which] shows just how special the 2010 vintage was. Marrying fruit from Briñas, Villalba and Rodezno, it's a perfectly judged marriage of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano. Savoury wild herb notes segue into a palate that's focused, balanced and graceful with the concentration and backbone to age. 2019-35” 97 points, Tim Atkin
Read MoreWe expect demand to be high and as such suggest that you place your order without delay.