La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2010 (750ML)

97+ Points, Zachys Buying Team: "Tasted three times. This wine screams two things, Gran Reserva 904 and the classic structure and style of the vaunted 2010 vintage. We have been preaching the classic vintage with the Muga Prado Enea, CUNE Imperial, Remelluri Gran Reserva, Murrieta Gran Reserva, Viña Ardanza, and even the little Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo, but the pinnacle interpretation of the vintage to date for us is the Gran Reserva 904. We sat down with winemaker Julio Saenz and he has not been this excited about a vintage since his inaugural 2001 and the estate has not been this excited since the 1964. For Zachys, this is the finest expression since the 2004 and 2005 and it is one of those releases that takes you on a journey across the flavor spectrum and spice rack, and you can expect to find nuances of black cherry, strawberries, red and black currant, citrus, black tea, allspice, Asian spice, clove, leather, tobacco, coffee beans, and more. We would add that in 2010, there is an extra layer of terruño and mineraliy that comes out in the wine, as well as texture that gains with air and unfolds with unparalleled depth and complexity. And that is just the beginning - this wine is a baby. While the wine will age another three decades, it is a wine that can be enjoyed today with two hours of aeration and will gain weight in the glass. At just 13.5% alcohol, It truly is a wine that satisfies the Rioja collector, but also the old school claret enthusiast and the ardent Burghead. More importantly, if you love wine with a little age - this is the right price and place to start. At under $70, buy by the cases, as this will age decades!"

96+ Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "It seems like yesterday when the superb 2001 was released, and now I already have the 2010 Gran Reserva 904 in my glass. It has to be among the greatest modern time vintages of this mythical bottling, where they aim for a wine that has a long aging potential. This is mostly Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 13.5% alcohol, and it matured in fourth-used American oak barrels for four years, during which time the wine was racked every six months. It has the combination of elegance and power only the best vintages are capable of, with the classical aromas, great detail and nuance, very good balance and persistence. They consider 2010 among the best years of this century, and maybe future generations will talk about 2010 like we talk about the great classical vintages of yesterday today. The palate is polished but shows plenty of energy and tension, the tannins are very fine and elegant, and the flavors are focused and clean. This has to be one of the greatest wines from the vintage. A legend in the making. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2015." 6/19

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Fresh blueberries and brambleberries take center stage, which is striking for a wine of this age. There are also lots of roasted herbs, such as sage, not to mention floral elements, including lavender and dried violets. Then come cedar, sandalwood and tar. The tannins are incredibly round and soft, without the slightest hint of anything dry. This is among the most elegant of Riojas, where the acidity is wonderfully pronounced and cuts right through any touch of dried fruit. Long and powerful, yet subtle on the finish. Drink now, or hold for a very long time." 07/19