Being presented with the pick of impeccable barrels from which to blend a unique reserva Rioja is not something that happens every day. But, happily for Society members, it does happen once a year.
This special blend, created with the great Rioja bodega of La Rioja Alta, is called 874, named after the founding year of The Wine Society. We remain the only UK merchant afforded the privilege of such an arrangement with these masters of traditional-style Rioja, and in June this year I visited Haro to select the barrels and blend the wine with winemaker Julio Saenz.
Currently ageing slowly in La Rioja Alta’s cellars, the wine is available to buy now and will be released from the bodega, ready to drink, next year. This wine is exclusive to Society members and available nowhere else.
This wine has built up a loyal following over its previous vintages, and I’m delighted with the new blend. It demonstrates the brilliance of the 2019 vintage, combining concentration, freshness and weight with the hallmark style of La Rioja Alta thanks to the careful two years’ ageing in American oak, which gives the wine a leathery, exotic flavour and mellowness. Don’t miss the chance to order yours.
Pierre Mansour
Director of Wine and Buyer for Spain
This offer will close at midday on Thursday 8th September. Orders will then be entered into an allocation system and confirmations of successful orders will be sent out by Tuesday 13th September at the latest. The wine will be delivered in autumn 2023.