2004 Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, Bodegas Urbina
Beautifully mature 2004 Rioja, still remarkably fresh
Why You'll Love It
- Three 95-Point Decanter Reviews
Awarded 95 points by all three critics in Decanter's Rioja retrospective. - Over Two Decades of Maturity
Beautifully evolved, yet still remarkably fresh, precise and full of life. - Special Spectator Offer
Now £28 per bottle, down from £29.95.
Jonathan Ray's Verdict
"The 2004 Urbina Gran Reserva Especial had both Mrs R. and Felicity firmly in what they termed their Rioja zone. They both loftily declared theyd spot it as a 2004 anywhere but only because theyd copped a squint at the label when I wasnt looking. We all agreed, though, that it was worth its 95 points and being termed outstanding at a recent Decanter retrospective, and we loved its teasing mix of plum/cherry fruit, vanilla and savoury beef bouillon on the finish."
- Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine (tasted August 2026)
Discover Rioja with More Than Two Decades of Maturity
Traditional Gran Reserva rewards patience, and this 2004 demonstrates precisely why. More than two decades from vintage, it has developed the perfume and savoury complexity we look for in mature Rioja while retaining impressive freshness and vitality.
It is that balance that makes this such a compelling bottle today: properly mature Rioja, still full of life and offering seriously good drinking at under £30 per bottle.
Mature Rioja, Still Full of Life
Beautifully perfumed, with juicy red-berry fruit, smooth tannins and layers of mature savoury complexity. Bright acidity keeps everything fresh and precise, leading to a long finish with lingering floral notes.
Classic Rioja which did not disappoint. Taste the fruit and great paired with red meat. Good to let it breathe for 1 hour to truly enjoy this wine.
Exceptionally smooh red
Great