Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 "Selección Especial" 2016

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 from the 2016 vintage is one of Spain's most prestigious and iconic reds, the pinnacle of Rioja's classic, traditional style. It's widely praised by international critics, earning exceptional scores such as 97 points from James Suckling and 96 points from Robert Parker

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2015 is pure delicacy and authenticity. A moving caress. Subtlety, elegance, refinement, delicacy and silkiness define it. One of Rioja's great classics, full of complexity, great potential and extraordinary ageing capacity. A wine for great moments.

The Wine Advocate
RP 96

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

I find the 2016 Gran Reserva 904 spectacular and a textbook example of the great traditional style. It was made with 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from a selection of vineyards, seeking balanced wines with silky tannins, good acidity, character, length and ageing potential.

The élevage is long: four years in used barrels averaging 4.5 years old, during which the wine is racked by hand every six months. It's ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, pH 3.61 and 5.4 grams of acidity, but the wine is super fresh and complex, with aromas of cigar box, balsamic notes, dried tea leaves, aromatic herbs, camphor, old furniture and tobacco.

It's elegant and intense, with striking flavours and great freshness; silky, textured and well structured, with volume, clean, intense and long. A very complete year for the 904. It's ready to drink but should age for a long time.