The '05 LRA GR 904 is 90% Tempranillo, sourced from the villages of Brinas, Labastida, and Vilalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. Destemmed grapes were crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25°C. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation lasted 38 days. Aged in used American oak for four years, manually racked eight times.
Enjoyed this over the course of several days. Was initially decanted 2 hours ahead of serving at dinner. Nose and palate were reticent, but the elegance and quality are readily apparent. Balsamic-inflected florals with a Burgundian weighted palate. Lighter-bodied smoky cherry fruit with allspice and dusty super-fine tannins. Optimal drinking window is still a few years away.
I find the La Rioja Alta wines typically lighter in style (perhaps a bit more elegant) compared to their next door neighbor, Lopez de Heredia.
As far the the 2004 and 2005 vintages of LRA GR 904, I have a preference for the 2004. IMO, the '04 is a bit more powerful with truly classic structure.
Here are my notes on the '04 from May 2016 (pop and pour at a restaurant)
http://lestastevinsdulac.blogspot.com/2016/05/2004-la-rioja-alta-rioja-gran-reserva.html?m=1
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