2004 Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, Bodegas Urbina

"The 2004 Bodegas Urbina Rioja Reserva Especial, a 95-pointer at a Decanter retrospective tasting, is a similar blend, albeit with a touch more Graciano and Mazuelo, that spent 30 months in barrel and 48 in bottle. It’s classic Rioja of real style with ripe plum and cherry fruit, spice, leather, dried figs and sweet vanilla."
Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine

With the extended cellaring period true Rioja always requires, here are gorgeous perfumes and expansive flavour complexities for wave after wave of sensual, seasonal drinking pleasure. This year, experience ultimate Rioja as it should be, with the juicy, red-berry fruit, smooth tannins and lingering floral finish of this sensational 2004 Gran Reserva.

Reviews taken from Decanter magazine's Rioja Guide 2023:

"A perfumed wine with vegetal maturity. This has evolved very well into a round, plump, fleshy gran reserva with a sweet fruity finish. Drink 2023-2048."
95 pts, PM, decanter.com 

"Open, very clean and precise, with indications of ageing. Juicy, appetising, soft and serious at the same time, with a long, distinctive finish. Still far from its peak."
95 pts, Pedro Ballesteros Torres, decanter.com

"A classic, with its dense fruit oranges, bright acidity and fine tannin, interwoven with American oak. Very fresh."
95 pts, Sarah Jane Evans, decanter.com