La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 is one of Spain's most celebrated Rioja wines, produced by the prestigious La Rioja Alta bodega founded in 1890 — a name the wine proudly bears. Made only in exceptional vintages, this Gran Reserva is a hallmark of the classical Rioja Alta style, prized for its extraordinary aging potential and complexity.

The wine is composed of 95% Tempranillo, 2% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano sourced from estate-owned vineyards in Briñas, Labastida, Villalba, and Montecillo. Grapes are hand-harvested in 20 kg boxes, refrigerated during transport, then gently destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation at below 26°C for approximately 16 days. Tempranillo and Mazuelo are fermented together while Graciano is vinified separately. After natural winter stabilization, the finest lots are selected and aged for six years in used American oak barrels, undergoing ten traditional rackings — a patient, labor-intensive process that defines the wine's character.

The 2011 vintage displays a clean, intense garnet color with brick-red edges. The nose is remarkably complex, with aromas of raisins, candied black plums, Lebanese cedar, tea leaves, cinnamon, dark chocolate, vanilla, pepper, and nutmeg — a seamless integration of fruit, oak, and bottle age. On the palate, elegant tannins balance beautifully with freshness, leading to a broad, intense finish with lingering balsamic and sweet spice notes. Rated 98 by James Suckling, 97 by Tim Atkin MW, 97 by Guía Peñin, and 96 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Best paired with main courses with light sauces, herb-braised meat stews, and chocolate-based desserts. Also superb as an after-dinner wine. Serve at 16–18°C. Cellaring will reward further finesse and complexity over time.