La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2005

Lobenberg: Die Gran Reserva 904 ist der klassische Vertreter eines großen Rioja. Die Trauben stammen aus den alten Rebstöcken der niedrigen Lagen. Mittleres, tiefen Ziegelrot. Intensiv in der Nase, zarte reife Pflaumen und Rosinen. Ein paar kandierte Früchte begleiten Zimt, Nelken und Schokolade. Im Hintergrund verstecken sich Nuancen von Minze. Ausgewogen am Gaumen überrascht er mit schier unglaublich seidigen Tanninen. Die 4-jährige Fassreife und die anschließende Reifung in der Flasche polieren den Wein auf Hochglanz. Die Gran Reserva 904 hallt lange nach… 1 Minute, 2 Minuten… die Frucht bleibt. Ein Langläufer mit Glanz. 95+/100

Wine Enthusiast: One look, one whiff, one taste and you're swooning. This mature, tawny, ready-to-drink gran reserva with aromas of lemon peel, cedar and dried cherry is the epitome of elegance. A juicy, supple palate is highly approachable, while flavors of vanilla, orange peel, saffron and dried plum don't waver on the finish. 96/100 (2016)

Robert Parker: The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25 C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous and lasted 38 days. These wines are marked by a long aging in used American oak barrels following the most strict Riojan tradition; four years during which time the wine was manually racked eight times. This is usually my favorite wine from La Rioja Alta and 2005 is one of its best showings, going back to the quality of the vintages of the 1950s and 60s. The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic. This wine will be released in October 2015, a full ten years after the vintage. At this quality level this is a bargain. 150,000 bottles produced. 96/100

James Suckling: Aromas of pine needles, ginger, red fruits and cedar. Mushroom too, plus bark and mint. Complex. Full body, ultra fine tannins and a tangy and bright finish. Makes you want to drink it. Made from 90% tempranillo with 10% graciano from 40+ year-old vineyards in the Brinas, Labastida and Villalba. 95/100 (2015)

Penin: Rubinrot mit ziegelrotem Saum. Aroma würzig, feine Reduktionsnoten, feuchtes Leder, Noten von Tischlerei, leicht alkoholisch. Am Gaumen würzig, feinkörninge Tannine, ausgewogen. 95/100

Falstaff: Klassisch im Duft: Rosenblüte, Bratenjus, sogar Trüffel, aber auch Minze und kleine rote Beeren. Saftiger Gaumenfluss, dabei mit noch durchaus trockenem Tannin, das erst anfänglich gemildert wirkt, hintergründig tragender Säurenerv, in der aromatischen Länge noch begrenzt. Braucht noch weitere zehn Jahre, um seine Eleganz in bestem Zustand zu zeigen. 94/100 (2016)

Jancis Robinson: Smoky, creamy, mature nose with a musty, dusty aroma. Black cherry and vanilla on the palate with plenty of primary intensity that could age a long time. Consistently one of the most impressive Riojas. 17,5/20