1985 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta

1985 was a near-perfect vintage, with a warm summer and a perfect ripening season. The premium 904 cuvée is afforded 4 months in 100 year old oak vats and 5 years in American oak barrels with 10 hand rackings. Made up of 85% Tempranillo, with 15% divided between Graciano and Mazuelo, the wine has a tawny lustre and a generous lifted nose of wild strawberries, vanillin, woodsmoke and spice. The palate is soft and finely textured with silky mature tannins. From the best vintage since the mythical 1970, this is the essence of traditional Rioja.