LA RIOJA ALTA Rioja Gran Reserva 890 2010 Bottle

Description

890 is an icon of Rioja and the fine wine world. It is the epitome of La Rioja Alta’s traditional style, named after their founding in 1890, only produced in the absolute best vintages, usually only two or three times a decade. The 2010 was, of course, just such a vintage, lauded across Rioja as one of the finest in living memory and one of only nine vintages in the last fifty years described as “Excellent” by the Consejo Regulador of Rioja. It is testament to La Rioja Alta’s commitment to ageing that we are only seeing this release now, after six years in barrique and four years in bottle.

The wine is a truly spectacular, cerebral wine. Slightly creamy with a rich nose, not dissimilar to blue cheese, the aromas are heavy with macerated fruit and there is a real inkiness and broodiness to the wine. The palate builds up like a crescendo, rumbling forwards with muscular structure, and bursting with dense, spicy flavours that last for minutes. The finish reveals a stony minerality and freshness, along with a dried fruit and tobacco character that hints at this wine’s long future.

"A fragrant nose of blackberries, plums, earth, dried flowers, leather, cloves, sweet tobacco and cigar box. Full-bodied with seamless tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and layered with great tension. Elegant, with a velvety texture and a long finish. Such length and beauty now with so much age. Drink or hold."
97 points, James Suckling

Named after the winery’s first vintage in 1890, Gran Reserva 890 is the pinnacle of La Rioja Alta S.A.’s winemaking and one of the foremost wines from Spain. It is a product of the finest grapes from the finest and oldest vines and so special is the cuvée, that it is only produced in the most exceptional years, typically three to four times each decade. Neal Martin suggests that it is “one of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar… wine that speaks about where it comes from.” A Tempranillo blend with a seasoning of Mazuelo and Graciano, this wine is exceptionally complex and ageworthy, showing all the hallmarks of sophistication and elegance that you would expect from one of Rioja’s most celebrated producers. Matured for at least six years in American oak barrels, it is only the best barrels that are then bottled and aged for several more years before release.

TASTING: It stands out for its medium garnet red colour, with an incipient iodine tinge on the rim of the glass. The nose reveals the characteristic notes of Rioja classicism: cherry jam, black plum compote, tobacco leaf, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and chocolate powder. The refinement of its tannins and its gentle freshness lend this wine an elegant and pleasant mouthfeel. Classic Rioja bouquet, broad, complex, round and with an elegant finish. This Gran Reserva 890 has a long life ahead of it. PAIRING: Mild dishes with light sauces. Meat stews with aromatic herbs. Desserts with chocolate. Perfect as an after-dinner drink.