My first time trying this entry-level Reserva from one of my favourite producers in Rioja, La Rioja Alta. This is really impressive on all fronts, a solid, generous Rioja albeit in a modern style and something of a departure from the bodega’s better, more traditional wines. Comparable to Muga’s Reserva in quality and price - I’d happily drink more of this.
My first time trying this entry-level Reserva from one of my favourite producers in Rioja, La Rioja Alta. This is really impressive on all fronts, a solid, generous Rioja albeit in a modern style and something of a departure from the bodega’s better, more traditional wines. Comparable to Muga’s Reserva in quality and price - I’d happily drink more of this.
Oct 23rd, 2023
This takes me back. Very old school. Like 70s and early 80s old school. Nose comes screaming out of the glass with loads of coconutty American oak, plummy fruit, and gravel. Intense and clingy in the mouth. Tannins are youthful but soft and well managed. The only thing that distinguishes this from a 70s or 80s rendition is the peppery alcohol (14.5%) that is fairly prominent. A noticeable bitter note lingers on the finish. Still and all, a pleasurable and nostalgic wine. Could easily use another 5 years.
UPDATE: Night 2, the depth of fruit is more prominent and is silencing the peppery alcohol a bit. Upping score from 8.9 to 9.0.
This takes me back. Very old school. Like 70s and early 80s old school. Nose comes screaming out of the glass with loads of coconutty American oak, plummy fruit, and gravel. Intense and clingy in the mouth. Tannins are youthful but soft and well managed. The only thing that distinguishes this from a 70s or 80s rendition is the peppery alcohol (14.5%) that is fairly prominent. A noticeable bitter note lingers on the finish. Still and all, a pleasurable and nostalgic wine. Could easily use another 5 years.
UPDATE: Night 2, the depth of fruit is more prominent and is silencing the peppery alcohol a bit. Upping score from 8.9 to 9.0.
Aug 4th, 2023
2016 vintage. Textbook example. Sour cherries, dried raspberries, red currant, bitter orange, dill, coconut, cedar, dried sage, brick dust, a little yogurt-y sourness. Classic example.
2016 vintage. Textbook example. Sour cherries, dried raspberries, red currant, bitter orange, dill, coconut, cedar, dried sage, brick dust, a little yogurt-y sourness. Classic example.
Feb 11th, 2022
Always love La Rioja Alta wines! So classic and beautiful.
Always love La Rioja Alta wines! So classic and beautiful.
Jan 7th, 2022
Apple smoked meats with vanilla soaked cherry cordials on the nose. Intense and smooth with fruit-filled smokey complexity and a long yet silky tannic finish.
Apple smoked meats with vanilla soaked cherry cordials on the nose. Intense and smooth with fruit-filled smokey complexity and a long yet silky tannic finish.
1 person found it helpfulOct 21st, 2021
Nice dry rioja from Spain. Super dry and a bit acidic. Earthy Smokey dingleberries for that booty. Rub-a-dubddubb on that donkey
Nice dry rioja from Spain. Super dry and a bit acidic. Earthy Smokey dingleberries for that booty. Rub-a-dubddubb on that donkey
1 person found it helpfulJun 26th, 2021
The 2016 Viña Alberdi Reserva is 100% Tempranillo and old school all the way. Its spicy cherry, candied rose, coconut and tobacco qualities and silky texture make it immediately seductive, but it will age effortlessly, too. It’s a terrific wine from a fantastic vintage. $25.00 (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2021)
The 2016 Viña Alberdi Reserva is 100% Tempranillo and old school all the way. Its spicy cherry, candied rose, coconut and tobacco qualities and silky texture make it immediately seductive, but it will age effortlessly, too. It’s a terrific wine from a fantastic vintage. $25.00 (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2021)
1 person found it helpfulApr 26th, 2021
8th and Berry
Mar 19th, 2023
Great Rioja with Don and Melinda on our first trip to Sun City. Strong leather and tobacco flavors yet very drinkable.
Great Rioja with Don and Melinda on our first trip to Sun City. Strong leather and tobacco flavors yet very drinkable.
Mar 17th, 2023
2016, maturing well, long finish
2016, maturing well, long finish
Feb 14th, 2023
La Rioja, Spain
