LaRiojaAltaGranReserva8902001

La Rioja Alta, S.A. was established in 1890 in Haro, in the celebrated Rioja wine region of northern Spain. It was founded by five local growers who shared a vision of producing wines of structure, elegance and long-term aging potential â€?at a time when many Rioja wines were simpler and less age-worthy. In 1904, an early milestone came when one founder’s own winery (Ardanza) merged with La Rioja Alta; this union helped shape the winery’s identity and gave rise to iconic labels such as Gran Reserva 904. The name La Rioja Alta refers both to the winery and to the Rioja Alta subzone â€?the high altitude western part of the Rioja DOCa, long associated with high-quality Rioja wines.rrIt is unusual for a great bodega of Rioja to own vineyards, but La Rioja Alta own 360ha from which they can source top-quality grapes, resulting in excellent fruit and richness throughout their wines. Tempranillo dominates the plantings, complemented with a small proportion of Garnacha and Graciano vines. The company is renowned for the quality of its Reservas and in particular for its Gran Reservas, the 904 and the 890. The latter are produced only in exceptional years, are amongst the finest wines being produced in Rioja today. Gran Reserva 890is named, rather confusingly, after the date of the creation of La Rioja Alta (1890). It is the non-plus-ultra of the family, a wine that slumbers patiently for 6 years in oak, then is allowed to rest in bottle for a few more years before its released.rrWeather: This brand is only produced in extraordinary vintages and 2001 is one of the best we can remember. A mild winter and suitable rainfall throughout the growing cycle allowed for excellent vine development. Excellent health prevailed during the ripening stage, marked by very sunny days and notable temperature drops at nightâ€?essential conditions to obtain high quality wines. To make this wine, we chose the oldest vines, planted in poor soils with a high proportion of limestone. They produced a small number of loose clusters which had smaller grains than in previous vintages and an optimal skin-to-pulp ratio. The grapes showed a superb balance of all components and excellent polyphenolic and aromatic qualities. All this prompted us to apply the ‘Selección Especialâ€?designation —a first for this brand.rrTechnical Information:rGrape Varieties: Tempranillo (95%) and Mazuelo (2%) from estate-owned vineyards in Briñas, Labastida and Villalba and Graciano (3%) from the Montecillo vineyard.rAlcohol: 13.5%rTotal Acidity: 6.2 g/lrpH: 3.60rProduction: 14,280 Bottles rrTasting Note: A darker shade of red and a somehow backward and reticent nose (relatively speaking) of forest floor, cold bonfire, antique shop, truffles, game, sandalwood, nutmeg and clove. The fruit is also a little darker and the palate more austere, but still showing vibrant and supple, with clean flavors and a great finish. This is my favorite modern time 890. Bravo! â€?Tasted by Luis Gutiérrez