La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 1998

95 points Luis Gutierrez (Wine Advocate): "The 1998 Gran Reserva 904 is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in American cask for four years. It has a very fine nose with notes of dried honey, cloves, raisin and wild heather that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of orange peel on the entry. It has an effortless sense of harmony and poise, with a crisp tense finish and suffused with a sorbet-like freshness. It just dances across the palate, a memorable Rioja with style and panache. Drink now-2030. (8/30/12)"

95 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "(90% tempranillo, 10% graciano). Colour: pale ruby, brick rim edge. Nose: aromatic coffee, aged wood nuances, spicy, wet leather, tobacco. Palate: spicy, long, good finish, fine tannins. (2012)"

93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red with an amber rim. Pungent, expansive scents of dried red fruits, potpourri, vanilla and pipe tobacco, with a spicy overtone. The silky palate offers penetrating redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors sweetened by notes of vanilla and mocha. Finishes smooth and long, with very soft tannins and lingering floral notes. Ready to drink but there's very good depth here, suggesting (along with this wine's track record) that it will reward further patience. I also had the chance to re-try the outstanding 2001 Vina Ardanza, which is aging at a snail's pace and really needs more time for the oak to fully integrate with its fruit. Right now the vanilla character is dominating but there's obviously excellent material underneath it. (Sep/Oct 2012)"