La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Especial 2005.

THE 2005 VINTAGE: This vintage was officially rated as Excellent, which coincides with our assessment. After budbreak at the normal time of the year, moderate, well-distributed spring rains led to proper canopy development, which lasted until fruit set, helping to balance production. September temperatures were moderate during the day and cool at night, allowing the grapes to acquire the typical traits of this part of Rioja. In 2005, we launched major improvements in the harvesting system, using 350 kg crates and refrigerated transport to the crush pad, resulting in a major qualitative leap in the winemaking process.

VARIETAL COMPOSITION: Tempranillo (90%) and Graciano (10%) from vines over 40 years old in vineyards in Briñas, Labastida and Villalba.

WINEMAKING AND AGEING: Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 28 °C and lasted 15 days. Batches were selected and allowed to complete malolactic fermentation naturally over 38 days. In March 2006, the wine was transferred to 4-year-old American oak barrels (made in-house), where it stayed until March 2010. During
ageing, the wine was racked every six months using traditional barrelto-barrel methods. After a settling period, the final blend was bottled in November 2010.

TASTING: Medium-depth, cherry-red; clean and bright. Very intense to the nose, with a pleasant balsamic bouquet. Almonds, mint chocolate, vanilla and roasted coffee lead to notes of jammy fruit. Good, balanced structure in the mouth, with a pleasant acidity and very sweet, round tannins which provide a long, complex finish. Excellent to enjoy now,
although it will continue rounding off its fine bouquet in the bottle over time.

The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25 C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous and lasted 38 days. These wines are marked by a long aging in used American oak barrels following the most strict Riojan tradition; four years during which time the wine was manually racked eight times. This is usually my favorite wine from La Rioja Alta and 2005 is one of its best showings, going back to the quality of the vintages of the 1950s and 60s. The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic. This wine will be released in October 2015, a full ten years after the vintage. At this quality level this is a bargain. 150,000 bottles produced - 96 Points The Wine Advocate Apr 30, 2015.