La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2010

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. 96-97/100

Suckling: Fresh blueberries and brambleberries take center stage, which is striking for a wine of this age. There are also lots of roasted herbs, such as sage, not to mention floral elements, including lavender and dried violets. Then come cedar, sandalwood and tar. The tannins are incredibly round and soft, without the slightest hint of anything dry. This is among the most elegant of Riojas, where the acidity is wonderfully pronounced and cuts right through any touch of dried fruit. Long and powerful, yet subtle on the finish. Drink now, or hold for a very long time. 98/100 (2019)

Parker: It seems like yesterday when the superb 2001 was released, and now I already have the 2010 Gran Reserva 904 in my glass. It has to be among the greatest modern time vintages of this mythical bottling, where they aim for a wine that has a long aging potential. This is mostly Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 13.5% alcohol, and it matured in fourth-used American oak barrels for four years, during which time the wine was racked every six months. It has the combination of elegance and power only the best vintages are capable of, with the classical aromas, great detail and nuance, very good balance and persistence. They consider 2010 among the best years of this century, and maybe future generations will talk about 2010 like we talk about the great classical vintages of yesterday today. The palate is polished but shows plenty of energy and tension, the tannins are very fine and elegant, and the flavors are focused and clean. This has to be one of the greatest wines from the vintage. A legend in the making. 96+/100 (2019)

Penin: Durchscheinendes Kirschrot, granatroter Saum. Aromen von feinen Reduktionsnoten, reifem Obst, auch Noten von Tischlerei, sehr würzig und Elegant. Am Gaumen ausgewogen, komplex, lang, feinkörnige Tannine und zartbitter. 96/100