La Rioja Alta - Gran Reserva 904 Rioja 2015
Price: $95.00
| Producer | La Rioja Alta |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Sku | 601647 |
| Size | 750ml |
If La Rioja Alta could be summed up with one word it would be, tradition. This winery has been functional since 1890. La Rioja Alta's philosophy has not changed since. Though much has changed in the area since their founding, they continue to make their wine in the style popular then. A good portion of that style requires ageing in oak barrels traditionally made on site, with American Oak.
The Rioja DOCa name is an amalgam of Rio Oja, or the Oja River which flows through the region. If you know Rioja you know its sub districts; Rioja Baja, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. Distinguished
by its relative altitude the Alta sub-district is regarded as the best for traditional winemaking.
This is where La Rioja Alta is sources most of their fruit from.
Traditional Riojas show many similarities to elegant Burgundys. You'll find earthy characteristics, high acidity levels, low(er) alcohol levels and red fruit profiles. Where traditional Rioja is unique though, is in its grapes,Tempranillo and other blending varietals like Mazuelo (Carignan), Garnacha and Graciano. Further distinguishing traditional Rioja is the use of American oak, and extended barrel and bottle aging.
James Suckling: 98 Points
Very impressive complexity and width on the nose, showing lots of savoriness with mushrooms, sandalwood, cedar, sweet spices, dried oranges and tobacco. Really even and juicy on the palate with fine and very present tannins. Juicy, creamy finish lasting a minute. Really elegant and layered. It goes on and on. A real Rioja Gran Reserva and I recommend buying a case! The first vintage that La Rioja Alta labelled ‘Seleccion Especial’. So appealing now, but this will evolve well in the next 20 years.
