2004 Vina Real Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
2004 was one of the modern-day great vintages in Rioja. It seems like yesterday, but ten years have already gone by. That year Viña Real got its own winery, an impressive building designed by Bordeaux architect Philippe Mazières just behind Contino (which at the time was 50% owned by CVNE; now they have a majority stake) where the wine fermented 100% in inox for the first time. However, this vintage marks a return to a more classical style. At the time, the Gran Reserva category had almost disappeared from the Spanish market and these wines were exported, so volumes were not high; they fermented 15, 000 liters of Gran Reserva. It was bottled in May 2008. That year Facebook was launched, Green Day rocked the world with their songs “American Idiot” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and people like Marlon Brando, Ronald Reagan, Johnny Ramone and Ray Charles disappeared. Spain was marked by the worst national terrorist attack ever; during Madrid's morning rush-hour on March 11, a date that will remain in Spain's collective memory, four bombs exploded simultaneously in four different trains killing 191 people. The 2004 Viña Real Gran Reserva is young, but fine and elegant, quite fruit-driven, the oak is well integrated, with spicy notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with enough stuffing to develop for a long time. A modern classic. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2024.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
2004 was an excellent vintage in Rioja, the first vintage fermented in stainless steel in the brand new Viña Real winery. 90% Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo. Malolactic fermentation in American and French oak barrels, where it's also aged with periodic rackings. Fined with egg-white before bottling. 15,000 litres produced. Retail price in Spain is 18€. Bottled in May 2008. Bright colour. Creamy oak, smoky, some vanilla, very clean nose, still too young, in need of developing complexity and integrating the different components. Very fresh in the mouth, with great acidity, makes you salivate (salty). Great length. Balanced. (LG)
Bright ruby-red. Complex bouquet evokes dried redcurrant and cherry, with sexy oak spice, tobacco and potpourri elements gaining strength with air. Pliant, sweet and nicely ripe, with deep red fruit and chewing tobacco flavors and a suave note of vanilla. Dusty tannins come on late and add shape to the long, ripe, smoky finish. This is approachable now, but should reward at least another decade of cellaring.
About the producer
CVNE, or Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), is one of Rioja’s leading names. With its various brands – Cune, Viña Real, Contino and Imperial – CVNE produces both large volumes and high quality, with its Imperial Gran Reserva one of the region’s finest wines.