PRODUCT OVERVIEW / REVIEWS:
La Rioja Alta, founded by five growers in 1890, has achieved iconic status in Spain and has helped to catapult the region onto the world wine stage. One of Rioja's greatest producers, it is the most ardent defender of the traditional methods responsible for Rioja wines' distinctive style. In the 1980s, when other bodegas were rushing to embrace more modern techniques, La Rioja Alta was increasing time in both barrel and bottle for their entire range. Owned by the same families today, La Rioja continues to produce award-winning wines that are loved by aficionados throughout the world.* 

The 2018 La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva is bright, deep ruby in color with dark cherry hues on the rim of the glass. It stands out for its intensity, with red fruit aromas (strawberries, raspberries, redcurrant, and cherry) leading to elegant notes of vanilla, toffee, coffee cream, cinnamon, brioche, and hazelnuts. The balance between acidity and alcohol stands out on the palate, with soft, sweet, rounded tannins and a pleasant final sensation. (winery notes)

Check out the press! 

93 points, James Suckling:
"A pretty nose of raspberries, cassis, fresh herbs, vanilla, and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins. Creamy and fruity with a chocolatey character on the mid-palate. Supple finish with excellent length. Tangy acidity. 100% tempranillo. Drink or hold."

92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The young and fresh red 2018 Viña Alberdi, already a Reserva (Crianza in Spain), matured in oak barrel for two years - in new barrels for the first year and in used barrels for the second year. During the élevage, they racked the wine manually from barrel to barrel four times. 2018 was a year of lower alcohol and more freshness in the wines, and they thought the wines were not designed for the long haul; so, they didn't produce any other wine, and so the only wine from 2018 IS VIÑA ALBERDI! Which means that all the tempranillo grapes that were destined for 890, 904, and all the other wines went to this wine. They didn't use the garnacha (which was sold in bulk). So, this is a super- Viña Alberdi, which shows more Crianza style in this cooler vintage but with very good depth and complexity, perhaps a more modern and fresher style. The wine has a seamless palate and a juicy texture, with more color than other vintages, more intensity, more fruit... It has grapes from very good vineyards and poor soils that were never destined for this wine. Highly recommendable and very versatile. It has potential to age. They produced a whopping one million bottles of it. It was bottled in March 2021." 

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Rioja Alta
Old/New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: La Rioja
Appellation: Rioja Reserva
Quality Designation: DOCa
Grape Varietals: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2018
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Fulker Body Red
ABV: 14.5%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Dark Green Bordeaux Style Bottle
Closure Style: Natural Cork
*adapted from importer notes