Quick notes - brought to a Peruvian restaurant dinner, a few days after I had opened up the 2016 LRA Vina Arana, so I was able to make a quick comparison to this wine higher up the LRA portfolio.

While I found the Arana to be a powerful oaky punch in the face (someone here even told me it tasted like the wine had just smoked a black and mild), the 904 was more in harmony - even without any decanting, which I did do for the Arana. From the first glass, the fruit notes and spice were on equal footing with the oak - less tobacco/wood smoke blowing in your face, but still there - playing along better with its friends. It shared the strong structure of the Arana - great acidity, strong tannic grip, full body - but definitely far more balanced, and in turn more enjoyable with the meal.

I swear by LRA Ardanza - and I'm inclined to try an older example of the Arana to see if the oak has mellowed out a bit - but with 10 years on it, I thought the 904 was super enjoyable, and I know it could easily go another 30-40 years. I need to do an Alberdi/Ardanza/Arana/904 horizontal or something.

As for the Rieussec, my ol reliable Bordeaux white - honeydew, grapefruit, bit of grass, plenty of acidity, refreshing, and a wonderful pairing with Peruvian seafood dishes. Bit of minerality and stone fruit on the finish, wonderful stuff. Bottle #3 I’ve had in the last year or so.