November Online Part II
Online-Only Auction, 22 - 29 November 2021
Wine: Italy and Spain
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
La Rioja Alta has been considered one of the 50 most admired brands on the planet. In the late 1800s, when French vineyards were ravaged by the Phylloxera virus, five quality-conscious Spanish wine growers in Rioja combined their efforts to produce well-made, modern Rioja wines for the export market. Then, Haro was very remote and the long distances were challenge before the rail link to Bilbao was built. Once completed, the Bodegas La Rioja Alta was established right next to the train station. Still to this day, La Rioja Alta produces their wines in the traditional way of long-ageing, in American oak casks, and produces wines with complex bouquets, rich flavours and very smooth textures that can age superbly for many years.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘The 2001 Gran Reserva 904 will not be released for another 3 years. Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040.’ - Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Jun 2010)
‘Deep ruby. Complex, highly perfumed scents of dark berry compote, cherry pit, pipe tobacco and vanilla. Smoky, sweet and focused, offering vibrant black raspberry, bitter cherry and vanilla bean flavors that gain power with air. This doesn't act like a 12-year-old wine! Finishes smooth and very long, with lingering sweetness and gentle, fine-grained tannins.’ -Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Sept 2013)