Rioja Gran Reserva 890 2001

Gran Reserva 890 (named in honour of the of winery's inception in 1890), is the flagship wine from La Rioja Alta. Typically made in just the best 3 years per decade, it is then aged for 6 years in 100% oak, followed by another 7 years in bottle prior to release when considered to be approaching maturity. More concentrated than their other great red, Gran Reserva 904. the 2001 890 is a gorgeous wine, stunningly aromatic complexity with notes of dark cherry fruit, sandalwood, a lift of balsamic and smoke combined with spice. In the mouth it is velvety and lusciously full-bodied with seamlessly integrated tannins. Simply gorgeous. One of the great modern vintages of Rioja, the estate consider this their finest yet made and so have given the 2001 890 the designation "Seleccion Especial" - the best of the best. This is a benchmark for traditional Rioja of elegance and power and incredible value.

Score: 96

Albany Vintners, - Maturity: 2015-2025 15 March 2015

"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.

Score: 95

Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2026 01 December 2013