2001 Gran Reserva 890, Selección Especial, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

Mainly Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo. The 890 is produced only in the best vintages. 40-year-old vines planted on calcareous soils. Very long ageing, six years in self-built American oak barrels. 12 rackings during ageing. 15,000 bottles produced.

The wine totally fulfils expectations for a classic rioja style. Very complex and open nose, woody and spicy showing liquorice, cloves, vanilla and earthiness. It has an acceptable touch of nail varnish. On the palate it is extremely polished and savoury, almost texture-free for a red wine. Very leathery aftertaste. It has concentrated flavours and is delicate in the mouth.

Drink 2016 - 2030

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