La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Magnum 2011

Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta continues to be a leading producer of traditionally made Rioja wines. Gran Reserva 904 is only released in exceptional vintages and the 2011 is the current release (as of July 2020). Composed of 89% Tempranillo from 60+ year-old vines and 11% Graciano, it is aged in seasoned American oak for 3 years before further bottle ageing prior to release. This is old-school Rioja but so unbelievably well executed it is hard not to love. With classical notes of blackberry, raspberry and orange zest, the fruit subsides to reveal wonderful savoury nuances of cigar box, liquorice, dark chocolate and subtly toasty oak. Rich, smooth and silky, yet with excellent natural freshness and elegance, this is a pleasure to drink now but will age comfortably for another 10-15 years.