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Monday, June 24, 2013

La Rioja Alta S.A. Grand Reserva 904 Cosecha 2001, Rioja, Spain




This wine is made with mostly Tempranillo at 90%, from vines over 40 years old. 10% is Graciano, with maturation taking place in 4 year old American oak barrels, then aged for 4 years. With an additional 6 1/2 years aging in bottle at the vineyard, the alcohol comes in at 12.5%.

This is another mature Spanish beauty, with aromas of sweet wild berries, sour cherry-plum, dried figs, leather, gentle wood spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, light-medium bodied, silky smooth texture with delicate flavours, more spices than fruit at this stage, balanced acidity and fine tannins. A medium length on the finish with flavours of plum, exotic spices and fine silky tannins lingering, this 2001 Spanish vintage is the gift that keeps on giving, and this Grand Reserva is a good example of a traditional elegant and refined style of Tempranillo. I prefer this winery, Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial from the same vintage which I enjoyed last February; it had a little more structure. But this is still a gorgeous wine, score 91 points.

Purchased May 11, 2013 at Crush Wine & Spirits in New York City for $41.95

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