La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2016

Looking to impress a Rioja aficionado? This is the bottle to do it. Made by one of the region's great traditionalists, it's the benchmark for long-aged Rioja. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, it spends four years in American oak barrels, emerging with a nose that's wonderfully evolved - think sour cherry, liquorice, dried flowers, leather, and a touch of herbs. On the palate, it's dry and silky, with juicy red fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a chalky texture that adds a refined edge. The finish is long and graceful, bringing out its poise and balance. Old-school Rioja at its best - timeless, elegant, and quietly commanding.

Ideal with slow-roasted lamb shoulder or a hearty braised goat stew, though it's patient enough to wait in the cellar for years if you'd rather.

Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is one of the region's most respected and historic wineries, blending deep-rooted tradition with an ability to move with the times. Unlike many producers in Rioja, who have long relied on buying in fruit, they now source all their grapes exclusively from their own vineyards, ensuring quality and consistency. In particular, their commitment to oak remains unwavering, with an in-house cooperage allowing them to oversee every stage of barrel production. The result is a range of timeless Riojas, crafted through meticulous ageing and unmatched tradition. They set a benchmark for the region with wines that are as elegant as they are enduring.