2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904

Tempranillo Blend

Timbalimba wrote: 93 points

October 4, 2013 - Plenty of action here. At first, there's the overt American oak aspect, toasted spice, aniseed, plum and strawberry fruit. After a couple of whirls, there's more secondary development, manure, leather, a strong lactic note. Meanwhile, bizarrely, the fruit gets fresher and fresher, wild raspberry leading the way. The palate is buzzing, medium to full, great acidity and vibrancy, a hint of tannin, fresh fruits, yet silky. A long, quality finish gives leather, raspberry pips, surging acidity. Very, very nice. Some Trackers have indicated that there's a Burgundian feel to it, and it's correct, at least as far as the nose. The palate speaks a different language, with sturdy, crunchy red fruit, fantastic acidity, tobacco, and tannin. More like a middle aged, premium Barolo. Either way, there are waves and waves of complexity here, more than enough to justify its price tag. Excellent. Drink or keep

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Harley1199 commented:

10/5/13, 3:21 PM - Hi there Timbalimba,
Just interested in that Burgundian style on the nose...
Usually a good Rioja develops that character with time, a lot of time have to say.
In an extraordinary vintage as 2001, we're talking about 25 years minimum.
Cheers,
Timbalimba commented:

10/7/13, 6:48 AM - Well, yes... and no. Depends on what you look for and expect. I sometimes find strong Burgundian characteristics in young Rioja (Cune in good vintages springs to mind, just when they are released, as well as some other examples of tempranillo such as Pirineos from Somontano).
But of course we are talking taste, a highly subjective matter. This wine, the '01 Rioja Alta GR 904, to me certainly displayed that wild raspberry aroma that I associate with young Cotes-de-Nuits. The palate however, as I noted, was a completely story. And of course, with age, things will evolve.
Cheers
Harley1199 commented:

10/8/13, 1:07 AM - Hi again
Basically agreed. I like your subjective comment.
Do you drink Pirineos? Awesome. I've a limited consumption of that brand but have had some Marboré and that Burgundian factor couldn't be founded.
Moreover have to say that it's pretty strange to feel that nice flavours from a young Rioja, even at its best.
Probably my obsession for well-aged GR is conditioning my taste :-)
Anyway glad to exchange some opinions
Cheers,