LA RIOJA ALTA

I find the 2016 Gran Reserva 904 to be spectacular and a textbook example of the grand traditional style. It was produced with 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from a selection of vineyards in search of balanced wines with silky tannins, good acidity, character, length and aging potential. The élevage is long, four years in used barrels averaging 4.5 years of age, during which time the wine is manually racked every six months. It's ripe with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.61 and 5.4 grams of acidity, but the wine is super fresh and complex, with aromas of cigar box, balsamic, dry tea leaves, aromatic herbs, camphor, antiquary furniture and tobacco. It's elegant and intense, with pungent flavors and very good freshness, and it's silky, textured and nicely structured, with volume, clean, intense and long. This is a very complete year for 904. It's ready, but it should last. 120,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2021. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 96 Luis Gutierrez, www.robertparker.com (Feb 2025)

Deep garnet red, with a bright and lively ruby rim. On the nose, it stands out for its high intensity and aromatic complexity. Initial notes of wild red berries, black cherry, and blueberries give way to an extensive range of aromas from its barrel aging—tobacco, black pepper, tea leaves, coffee, mocha, vanilla, and cinnamon—creating a fruity and balsamic bouquet. The palate is refined, balanced, and elegant, with outstanding freshness and smoothness thanks to polished, silky tannins that contribute to a sophisticated finish.Winemaker's notes (Dec 2025)