La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most historic estates. Founded in 1890 in Haro, Rioja Alta, it built its reputation on elegance, balance, and wines crafted for decades of evolution. Its Club de Cosecheros editions were reserved for members and never sold commercially. These wines are extremely rare and reflect the house’s disciplined approach to extended barrel and bottle ageing.

The 1978 Club de Cosecheros Reserva comes from a Very Good vintage. It was made primarily from Tempranillo with supporting Mazuelo. The wine spent years in American oak and bottle before release, allowing structure and nuance to develop fully. This was a wine built to evolve over decades, not for early drinking.

Today the wine shows deep garnet with brick edges. Aromas include dried red cherry, leather, tobacco leaf, cedar, and sweet spice. On the palate the tannins are silky and fully integrated. Acidity provides lift and balance. Flavors of dried plum, licorice, and forest floor linger into a long, contemplative finish. This is classic Rioja at its most refined.

Why You’ll Love It

• Historic Rioja pedigree: La Rioja Alta has made ageworthy wines for over 130 years.

• Rare collector’s edition: Club de Cosecheros bottles were never commercially released and are highly sought after.

• Decades of evolution: Leather, tobacco, dried cherry, cedar, and spice show full tertiary development.

How To Serve

• Stand upright 48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle.

• Decant gently just before pouring.

• Serve at 60–63°F in large Bordeaux stems.

• Pair with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, braised game, or enjoy contemplatively.

We highly recommend opening these aged rarities with an Ah-So (two-prong opener) or Durand corkscrew.