2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904, Rioja

The 2004 Gran Reserva 904 is Tempranillo from Brinas, Labastida and Villalba balanced with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were fermented and macerated in inox vats for 14 days at 28º C, and malolactic fermentation lasted 28 days. The wine aged for 4 years in used American oak barrels averaging 4 years old, during which time it was manually racked 8 times. 150,000 bottles were filled. This 2004, from a superb vintage shows a beautiful light red color with a brick rim and a superb nose redolent of balsamic woods, spices, leather, well-hung meat, incense and truffles. The light to medium-bodied palate shows fully resolved tannins, great acidity and pure, pungent flavors that linger in the mouth forever and that can only be Rioja. This is a wine to smell over and over again. It might sound like an exaggeration, but this wine is still too young and you should wait a little bit and drink the superb 2001 vintage which should still be available on the market while this one matures in bottle. At this quality level the price is superb especially considering that the wine is being released 10 years after the vintage. Drink 2016-2024.

La Rioja Alta has tremendously improved its wines in the last few years while keeping faithful to the most classical style. They have always been hugely popular in Spain, but they seem to be selling their wines faster and don’t produce every cuvee in every vintage and as a result had very few new wines to show. Vina Ardanza jumped from 2001 to 2004, and the next vintage will be 2005. Followers of traditional Rioja are very lucky as both the 904 as the 890 coming on the market are from great vintages and are superb. 

96 points robertparker.com

The La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 is an iconic Spanish wine that exemplifies the elegance, tradition, and aging potential of classic Rioja. Crafted by La Rioja Alta, one of the region’s most prestigious wineries established in 1890, the Gran Reserva 904 represents the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking, blending meticulous craftsmanship with exceptional vineyard sourcing.

This wine is made primarily from Tempranillo, sourced from old vines in Rioja Alta’s premium vineyards, with a small addition of Graciano to enhance aromatic complexity and structure. The 904 Gran Reserva undergoes a long and traditional aging process, spending four years in carefully selected American oak barrels before further bottle maturation. This extended aging allows the wine to develop remarkable depth, balance, and finesse.

On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of dried cherries, red currants, and plum, intertwined with notes of tobacco, cedar, vanilla, and a touch of spice. The palate is silky and harmonious, with fine-grained tannins supporting flavors of ripe red fruit, leather, and earthy undertones. A vibrant acidity ensures freshness, while the long, elegant finish highlights the wine’s impeccable structure and age-worthiness.

The Gran Reserva 904 is perfect for pairing with roasted lamb, aged Manchego cheese, or mushroom-based dishes. While it is approachable upon release, its exceptional aging potential allows it to develop further complexity for 20 years or more, making it a prized addition to any wine collection.