La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 890 1995

96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted twice, the 1995 Gran Reserva 890 is a blend of 95% Tempranillo (from Brinas, Labastida and Villaba), 3% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo, all aged in American oak for six years and delivering a headache-avoiding 12.7% alcohol. It has a heavenly bouquet that soars from the glass with soy, marmalade, a touch of Seville orange marmalade and cloves, all with superb delineation. The palate is very well-balanced with crisp, finely-tuned tannins that lend it wonderful focus. One can find vivacious flavors of strawberry, orange sorbet and citrus lemon while the finish is incredibly youthful and displays a level of tension that Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of. Outstanding traditional Rioja pulled out from the top drawer. Why? Because it whisks the drinker from wherever they are to, where the wine was born. Drink now-2030+. (08/30/12)."

96 points Jane Anson (Decanter):A great vintage and classic Rioja expression; sweet raspberry fruit, leather, game, touches of cinnamon and all wrapped up with silky smooth tannins. This is the point at which the aromatics and tertiary flavours of older Rioja start to kick in and it's entirely deliberate - the wine spends six years in American oak (they source the staves and make all of their own barrels) plus seven years in bottle, ensuring that when it is released, you're getting a wine that is fully limbered up, but still capable of long ageing.. Drink 2019-2034. (11/15/19)."

94 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Bright red with an amber rim. A heady, wildly complex bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, potpourri, vanilla, cigar box and pipe tobacco, with slow-building vanilla and woodsmoke qualities. Sappy and seamless on the palate, showing sweet red berry, cherry and rose pastille flavors and a touch of mocha. Clings with outstanding tenacity on the finish, which shows sexy floral and spice notes and no rough edges. (Sep 2012)."