1981 Gran Reserva 890, La Rioja Alta

"This winery's top of the line offerings are the Gran Reservas. The 1981 Gran Reserva 890 boasts a knock-out nose of smoke, charcoal, vanillin, black fruits, and cigar smoke. There is tannin in the background, but the wine is broad and expansive, with considerable fruit, and length. 1981 was considered one of the great vintages for Rioja, and this wine is at its peak of maturity, although it will last for another 8+ years. This is an exceptional example of an old school Spanish Rioja that was aged in different-sized oak vessels, and not released until it had reached full maturity." 92/100 points Robert Parker-Wine Advocate