La Rioja Alta : Gran Reserva 904 2010
Pre-arrivals - Stock in France
Guaranteed provenanceWines sourced directly from the producing estates
Marks and reviews
Parker
J. Robinson
Wine Spectator
J. SucklingDescription
Characteristics and tasting advice for La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2010
Tasting
Appearance
The wine displays a cherry-red color with garnet highlights.
Nose
The bouquet is very intense and complex, revealing aromas of plums, ripe grapes, blackberry jam, and red raspberries. Spicy and balsamic notes of tobacco leaves, cedar, licorice, vanilla, chocolate, and ground coffee complete this remarkable aromatic palette.
Palate
On the palate, the wine shows freshness and balance with polished, silky tannins. The finish is gentle and delicate, extended by balsamic notes of coffee and toasted caramel, accompanied by candied fruit and licorice.
Food and wine pairing
This Gran Reserva 904 2010 pairs perfectly with main courses, all kinds of meats, and stews. It also matches couverture chocolate desserts and makes an excellent digestif.
An exceptionally elegant and refined Gran Reserva from La Rioja
The estate
La Rioja Alta, founded in 1890 in Haro in La Rioja, cultivates an outstanding vineyard in Rioja Alavesa, Rías Baixas, and Ribera del Duero. A family-owned estate held by the descendants of the founding families, the House is led today by Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner, appointed managing director in 2025. The House’s innovative classicism ranks among the most admired wineries in the world.
The vineyard
The grapes dedicated to this cuvée come from over 60-year-old tempranillo vines located in Briñas, Labastida, and Villalba, complemented by graciano from the Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor in Rioja.
The vintage
The 2010 vintage is considered one of the best of the century. Favorable weather conditions led to moderate yields due to shatter during flowering. Medium-sized clusters produced small berries.
Winemaking and aging
The grapes for Gran Reserva 904 2010 are harvested in crates and transported in refrigerated vehicles. After gentle destemming and crushing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperature for 18 days. Natural malolactic fermentation lasts 94 days. Aging runs from March 2011 to March 2015 in 4-year-old American oak barrels made by the House, with traditional rackings from barrel to barrel every 6 months. Bottling took place in July 2015.
Grape varieties
Tempranillo (90%) and graciano (10%).
