Following on from Hugo’s visit last week we are delighted to offer La Rioja Alta’s 2001 Gran Reserva 890.
La Rioja Alta is without question an exceptional producer performing absolutely at the top of their game and the Gran Reserva 890, their top wine, is only made in the most exceptional vintages.
The 2001 vintage was one of the most successful modern Rioja vintages. La Rioja Alta consider the 2001 890 Gran Reserva to be their greatest ever prompting them to apply the ‘Selección Especial’ designation – a first for this wine.
“2001 is a great vintage for all the wines from La Rioja Alta but the long-awaited 2001 Gran Reserva 890 is otherworldly… This is my favorite modern time 890. Bravo! 95 points” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate #210 Dec 2013
“Quite simply, these are some of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar: complex, refined, classic but without compromising fruit intensity and to reiterate: wines that speak about where they come from.” Neal Martin Wine Advocate
Please find herewith our offer of this exceptional wine. The wine will be available for delivery in November 2014. Due to the small production, this wine is offered subject to remaining unsold.
40 cases 2001 Gran Reserva 890 La Rioja Alta £415 per six bottles IB
“2001 is a great vintage for all the wines from La Rioja Alta but the long-awaited 2001 Gran Reserva 890 is otherworldly. 2001 was a slow maturing vintage which produced smaller grapes especially in the old vineyards on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria in the villages of Brinas, Labastida and Villalba where the vineyards that make it into this wine are located. The final blend contains a majority of Tempranillo with 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo. The wine ferments with the natural yeasts attached to the grapes in stainless steel vats and is aged for six years in used American oak barrels with 12 manual rackings. A selection of the best barrels were blended together and bottled unfiltered in March 2008. Only 15,000 bottles were produced. It shows (even) younger and more concentrated than the 2004 904, a darker shade of red and a somehow backward and reticent nose (relatively speaking) of forest floor, cold bonfire, antique shop, truffles, game, sandalwood, nutmeg and clove. The fruit is also a little darker and the palate more austere, but still showing vibrant and supple, with clean flavors and a great finish. This is my favorite modern time 890. Bravo! Drink 2016-2026.” 95/100, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
For more information or to order this wine call us on 020 7793 7900.