2001 La Rioja Alta Collection Case
“2001 is a great vintage for all the wines from La Rioja Alta but the long-awaited 2001 Gran Reserva 890 is otherworldly.”
Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate
To mark the 136th anniversary of La Rioja Alta’s foundation, we have secured a set of collector’s cases direct from La Rioja Alta, containing all five wines from 2001, one of the greatest Rioja vintages ever produced. If you know your Rioja or are just starting to explore this historic wine region, here’s a breakdown on this once-in-a-lifetime offer.
Whilst 2010 is considered to be the greatest, modern Rioja vintage, 2001 is its greatest, mature counterpart. It is a vintage that sits in the same exalted company as the now legendary 1964. The wines, now 25 years post-vintage, are entering the stage at which great, traditional Rioja becomes so utterly compelling. You’ll find silky, complex and beautifully poised Rioja, with plenty of life still ahead.
To give an indication of the enormous aging potential from La Rioja Alta, Neal Martin famously awarded the 1964 a 97-point score in 2012 – 48 years post-vintage! He wrote at the time: “The nose is very fragrant and sensual with crushed flowers, small dark cherry, minerals and a mature Musigny-like aroma. It is very pure and beautifully defined. It does taste like a great old Burgundy, but the harmony, freshness and complexity is one of the finest I have encountered on any Spanish wine. This is a wine made of dreams.”
Sadly, we have only fifteen cases available, so do not hesitate to secure your case or contact your Account Manager for further details.
Why Buy?
- La Rioja Alta is not only a benchmark Rioja estate, but 2001 is one of the most compelling mature vintages you can put on the table.
- Rated ‘Excelente’ by the Consejo Regulador de Rioja (the highest possible classification), 2001 is widely regarded as the greatest mature vintage since the mythical 1964.
- La Rioja Alta’s President, Guillermo de Aranzabal, puts the 2001 on the same level as the 1964, calling it an “outstanding vintage for Reservas and Gran Reservas”.
- These cases have the best possible provenance, coming from the estate itself, and La Rioja Alta is “quite simply, these are some of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar” (Neal Martin).
From the Critics
2001 890 Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial
98 Points, James Suckling
“Extremely complex, with orange peel, pinecones, sweet spices, dry earth and truffles. So long and silky, with a zesty, persistent finish that goes on for minutes. Melted tannins with umami savoriness…”
2001 904 Gran Reserva
97 Points, James Suckling
“This is a very complete wine with such beautiful length and intensity. It’s compact and very driven with a great finish and length. Dark berries, dried flowers, sandalwood and hints of dried fruit. Extremely long and balanced…”
2001 Vina Arana Reserva
97 Points, James Suckling
“Incredible aromas of flowers such as violets and orange blossom with dark fruits and sweet fruit tea. Full body, very dense and powerful yet polished and refined. Dried fruits with praline and pie crust. Unique wine that everyone should try once, if possible. Very balanced…”
2001 Vina Arana Seleccion Especial
96 Points, James Suckling
“So much smoky, dark berry and sweet tobacco character. Full body, very powerful and tannic still. Gorgeous fruit. An ageless wine. Decadent and sexy…”
2001 Vina Ardanza Seleccion Especial
97 Points, James Suckling
“Incredible aromas of flowers such as violets and orange blossom with dark fruits and sweet fruit tea. Full body, very dense and powerful yet polished and refined. Dried fruits with praline and pie crust. Unique wine that everyone should try once, if possible. Very balanced…”
2001 Vina Alberdi Seleccion Especial
Not reviewed recently.
More on La Rioja Alta
Established in 1890 on the same site of their head offices today, La Rioja Alta remains the benchmark estate for traditional Rioja. The estate’s first wine was the Reserva 1890 and is the predecessor of today’s Gran Reserva 890. Similarly, in 1904 La Rioja Alta merged with the Ardanza winery and the Reserva 1904 was created to commemorate the event; this wine was to eventually become the Gran Reserva 904. The Gran Reservas are only made in exceptional vintages and are considered to be the pinnacle of Rioja today. The estate’s three Reserva wines also have historical links as they are named after the founding families: Alberdi, Arana and Ardanza. 360 hectares of vineyards located in the very best parts of Rioja Alta boast limestone soils on which the Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano vines are planted…