La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011 is a superbly crafted wine that showcases the depth and complexity of Rioja Alta's traditional winemaking techniques. This medium-high depth, cherry-red wine boasts an intense aroma that is rich and complex. It exudes a wide range of flavors, including plums, ripe grapes, blackberries, red raspberries, and spicy notes of tobacco leaves, cedar, licorice, vanilla, chocolate, and ground coffee.
The wine has a good entry and is fresh and balanced with polished, silky tannins that leave a gentle and delicate finish. The aftertaste is long and lingering, with balsamic notes of coffee and toasted caramel, candied fruits, and licorice. This wine is perfect for pairing with all kinds of meats, stews, main courses, and desserts with couverture chocolate. It's also an excellent choice for an after-dinner drink that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Published Jan. 16, 2022 - Rated 96:
Lovely dried red fruit, such as plums with just a hint of prunes. Cedar, walnut and leather undertones. Full-bodied with lots of fruit, considering its age, as well as hints of smoke, tobacco, bark and black tea. Some balsamic at the finish. Traditionally styled with lovely results. Drink or hold.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Issue 30th Oct 2020 - Rated 94:
I usually prefer the 904 to the 890, but there will be no Gran Reserva 890 until the 2010 vintage (from the last vintage I tasted, 2005). So, the only one of the extended-aging Haro-style reds I tasted this time was the 2011 Gran Reserva 904, which had a hard act to follow after the 2010 vintage. It's a blend of 89% Tempranillo and 11% Graciano matured in American oak barrels for four years, and it was racked eight times from barrel to barrel during its élevage, which sounds a bit harsh for a vintage like 2011 when the wines were not as complete and robust as in 2010. It has the classic profile, aromas and flavors (decayed leaves, tobacco, sweet spices, a meaty touch and some black fruit), but the oak seems to take a more leading role and the palate feels less juicy. It finishes dry.
Wine Spectator Review - Issue Dec 31, 2020 - Rated 92:
This supple red shows maturity, with forest floor, mushroom and cedar notes framing dried cherry and tea flavors. The silky texture is supported by light tannins and orange peel acidity. Traditional style, balanced and harmonious. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2025.
