En primeur: La Rioja Alta 874 2023

This special blend has been created with the great Rioja bodega of La Rioja Alta. The name of this exclusive wine, 874, is based around the founding year of The Wine Society (1874). It comes from some of the bodega's finest plots and barrels. 874 has become deservedly popular for its generous texture, aromatic complexity and beautiful balance. Every year brings different conditions in the vineyard, so the challenge, and the enjoyment, lies in adapting the blend to capture the very best of what nature has given us. Cooler in style than the 2022, the 2023 is aromatic, with bright red-fruit purity on the nose and all the generous structure and complexity that members have come to expect from 874. The blend remains reassuringly familiar at 70% tempranillo, 25% garnacha and 5% graciano yet behind the scenes, there were challenges, with rain during harvest meaning Julio and the team had to be exceptionally vigilant to maintain the high standards for which La Rioja Alta is renowned. Their meticulous selection was so rigorous that the bodega chose not to produce its 904 and 890 Gran Reservas, leaving us with access to some outstanding tempranillo that would normally be destined for those flagship wines. We think the result is a blend that beautifully reflects the character of the vintage while remaining unmistakably 874. Drink from 2028 to 2038. 14.5%

This special blend has been created with the great Rioja bodega of La Rioja Alta. The name of this exclusive wine, 874, is based around the founding year of The Wine Society (1874). It comes from some of the bodega's finest plots and barrels. 874 has become deservedly popular for its generous texture, aromatic complexity and beautiful balance. Every year brings different conditions in the vineyard, so the challenge, and the enjoyment, lies in adapting the blend to capture the very best of what nature has given us. Cooler in style than the 2022, the 2023 is aromatic, with bright red-fruit purity on the nose and all the generous structure and complexity that members have come to expect from 874. The blend remains reassuringly familiar at 70% tempranillo, 25% garnacha and 5% graciano yet behind the scenes, there were challenges, with rain during harvest meaning Julio and the team had to be exceptionally vigilant to maintain the high standards for which La Rioja Alta is renowned. Their meticulous selection was so rigorous that the bodega chose not to produce its 904 and 890 Gran Reservas, leaving us with access to some outstanding tempranillo that would normally be destined for those flagship wines. We think the result is a blend that beautifully reflects the character of the vintage while remaining unmistakably 874. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 14.5%