Gran Reserva 890

Gran Reserva 890 is produced just a couple of times each decade, in only the very best of vintages. This iteration is primarily Tempranillo from old vineyards around Briñas and Labastida, with tiny amounts of Mazuelo and Graciano from La Rioja Alta’s own Montecillo vineyard.

It’s aged in oak for over six years and manually racked every six months. At each racking, barrels are classified and graded, and a few declassified at each point until only the truly exceptional remain. These were blended and bottled in March 2011 and aged for a further five years in bottle prior to release.

The result is a wine of remarkable acidity and freshness considering its age. The nose is full of secondary characteristics like air-dried meat, old furniture, tar and dry leather, alongside dark plum and black cherry notes, yet the palate is alive and youthful. This was the highest rated Rioja in this year’s Penin Guide.