La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 2016

This wine originates from Spain, within the Rioja Alta subregion of DOCa Rioja. Produced by La Rioja Alta S.A., a historic family-owned winery founded in 1890 in Haro's Station District, the "904" bottling commemorates the 1904 merger with Bodegas Arana. The winemaking philosophy represents the pinnacle of traditional, long-aged Rioja, relying on estate-grown fruit from old vines in Briñas, Villalba, and Rodezno, extended barrel aging in custom American oak made in-house, and manual rackings by candlelight every six months.

Wine Description

This wine displays a deep garnet-red color with a bright, vibrant ruby rim. On the nose, it opens with intense, highly complex aromas of wild red cherry, strawberry, and dried berry fruit, layered with signature tertiary notes of cigar box, tobacco leaf, vanilla, leather, cedar, and subtle balsamic undertones. On the palate, it exhibits a medium to full body with a silky, seamless, and creamy texture, supported by supple, ultra-polished tannins and remarkable natural acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, savory, and refined, lingering with notes of dark fruit, delicate oak spice, and dried herbs. The varietal composition is a traditional blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. It has an alcohol content of 14.5% ABV and is not certified organic.

Vintage Quality

The 2016 growing season in Rioja was characterized by excellent weather and a long, extended ripening period, delivering fruit with exceptional balance, aromatic intensity, and structural maturity. Aged for four years in American oak barrels followed by extended cellaring in the bottle before release, the 2016 vintage is widely recognized as a spectacular, textbook example of traditional Rioja with immense longevity.