La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011 — A Benchmark for Classic Rioja Elegance

Discover the timeless appeal of Spain’s most iconic wine region with La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011 — a beautiful, age-worthy expression of traditional Rioja craftsmanship at its finest. Produced only in exceptional vintages, the 904 is a tribute to patience, precision, and respect for heritage, delivering complexity and refinement in every glass.

A Winery Steeped in History

Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most respected houses, known for wines that marry long aging with vibrant fruit and unmistakable finesse. The “904” designation is a nod to the historic 1904 merger that strengthened the winery’s legacy. Today, Gran Reserva 904 stands as a benchmark for mature Rioja, consistently recognized by critics and collectors alike.

Exceptional Terroir and Meticulous Farming

The fruit for the 2011 Gran Reserva 904 comes primarily from 60-year-old Tempranillo vines planted in the elevated vineyards of Rioja Alta — a region renowned for producing structured yet elegant wines. A smaller percentage of Graciano adds aromatic lift and bright acidity. Sustainable viticulture and careful hand-harvesting ensure that only the healthiest, most balanced grapes make it to the winery.

The 2011 growing season was textbook Rioja: a warm summer tempered by cool nights, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration, ripe tannins, and perfect natural acidity — all hallmarks of a classic vintage.

Traditional Winemaking with Time-Honored Patience

At La Rioja Alta, the Gran Reserva wines are made with an unwavering commitment to traditional methods. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts to reflect the true character of the fruit. After fermentation, the wine spends about four years aging in carefully selected American oak barrels, which are made in-house by the winery’s own coopers. This extended barrel aging infuses the wine with subtle spice and smooth, integrated tannins, while bottle aging in the cellar polishes it to perfection before release.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright cherry-red core with a garnet rim — the graceful look of a well-aged Rioja.

Aroma: Beautifully layered aromas of red currant, dried cherry, orange peel, cigar box, leather, cedar, and delicate sweet spices like clove and nutmeg.

Palate: Silky and medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors echo the nose with notes of dried berries, plum, balsamic hints, and a gentle toasty character from long oak aging. The finish is long, elegant, and harmonious — a signature of Gran Reserva Rioja at its best.

Critical Acclaim

Widely regarded as one of the top Rioja Gran Reservas, the 2011 vintage has been celebrated for its balance, depth, and graceful aging potential. Critics have praised it for capturing the classic style with impressive clarity and drinkability.

Perfect Food Pairings

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011 is remarkably versatile at the table. Pair it with:

• Roast lamb or grilled ribeye — the wine’s structure complements hearty meats.

• Slow-braised short ribs or pork shoulder — highlighting its savory undertones.

• Aged Manchego, Pecorino, or dry-aged Gouda — for a simple yet luxurious pairing.

Decanting for about an hour helps this mature Rioja open up and display its full aromatic complexity.

Product Details

• Vintage: 2011

• Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain

• Grapes: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano

• Aging: 4 years in American oak barrels plus extensive bottle aging

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Farming: Sustainable practices

• Bottle Size: 750ml

Why Add It to Your Collection?

✔ Classic style: A beautiful example of traditional, long-aged Rioja.
✔ Ready to enjoy: Perfectly balanced to drink now, yet it will evolve gracefully for another decade or more.
✔ Prestigious pedigree: Produced by one of Rioja’s most respected, historic estates.
✔ Value: Offers collectible quality at an accessible price point.

Bring Home a Taste of True Rioja Heritage

Add La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011 to your cellar or dinner table and savor the rich history and timeless elegance that only a great Gran Reserva can deliver. This is a wine meant to be shared, celebrated, and savored — a testament to the enduring beauty of classic Spanish winemaking.