At a glance

Producer

La Rioja Alta, S.A.

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (with Graciano)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$150-240 USD (auction and retail, as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Aromatic complexity with dried red fruit (cherry, plum), tobacco, leather, cedar, earth, spice, hints of balsamic and vanilla; vibrant yet mature palate, supple tannins, long finish.

Evolution: Primary fruit evolving to tertiary notes (dried fruit, tobacco, tea leaf, leather, mushroom); fine oak frame supporting maturity.

At peak: Deep complexity, full tertiary bouquet, harmonious blend of fruit, earth, and aged oak, with lingering flavor and finesse.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high (preserved by cool climate and style)

Tannins

Silky, resolved, well-integrated

Alcohol

13.0-13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Long (20-30 years from vintage, under ideal conditions)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2016 to 2027

Optimal window

2013 to 2030

Current status

Mature; in its optimal drinking window, but will hold for several more years.

Current condition

Fully mature with softened tannins, tertiary aromas; well preserved bottles offer vibrancy, some bottles may show gentle fading after 2030.

Gran Reserva 904 is crafted for long aging, with extended barrel and bottle maturation before release. The 2001 vintage, a classic Rioja year, provides structure and acidity that support two decades or longer of graceful evolution. Peak drinking encompasses optimal integration of fruit, oak, and tertiary aromas, maintaining freshness with fully resolved tannins.

Food pairing

Ideal with aged Manchego, lamb shoulder, roasted game birds, classic Spanish stews (e.g. oxtail, Rioja-style), mushroom risotto, mild to medium-hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 24 years old, which suggests it has developed complex flavors and may have some sediment. Decanting will help aerate the wine, enhancing its aromas and flavors while separating it from any sediment.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

La Rioja Alta S.A. has improved vineyard sustainability since the early 2010s (cover crops, reduced chemical sprays, solar energy investment at winery). For 2001, traditional practices dominated: hand-harvesting, moderate chemical inputs, some replanting for vineyard health; light glass bottles for some shipments, but standard packaging overall.

In 2001, La Rioja Alta adhered to best local traditional practices but lacked formal sustainability certifications. Farming was not organic, though chemical use was moderate by European standards. Energy use at the winery was conventional. Since then, the estate has begun investing in solar power, water conservation, and more ecological vineyard techniques, but these were not in place for the 2001 vintage. While the wine is notable for longevity (favoring lower waste by extended cellaring), the carbon footprint is increased due to heavy packaging and global shipping. The sustainability score is above average due to positive moves in later years and commitment to vineyard stewardship, but remains far from the highest levels due to absence of formal certifications or comprehensive eco-practices in 2001.