La Rioja Alta 904

The 904 is the great Gran Reserva flagship of La Rioja Alta — a wine that demands patience and rewards with depth. First bottled in 1904, it has since stood for the classic style of the house: no fashion trends, no excess wood, but consistent craftsmanship.

La Rioja Alta is one of the oldest wineries in the Rioja Alta, founded in 1890 by five Basque and Riojan families. The winery produces its own barriques and matures the 904 for around four years exclusively in used wood — a conscious decision that puts the fruit in the foreground instead of the barrel. A small proportion of Graciano in the cuvée brings freshness and aromatic tension to the otherwise Tempranillo-dominated base.

In the glass, a dense ruby red with a garnet rim is revealed. On the nose, dark blackberry, dried plum, a hint of mint and almonds, plus balsamic notes and slight coffee echoes from the long wood storage. On the palate, fine-grained, ripe tannins, good structure, long fresh finish.

Serving temperature 16–18 °C, ideally decant two hours before drinking. Pairs with leg of lamb with herbs, braised beef shoulder or ripe Manchego. Those who have patience will be rewarded with further complexity.