2005 La Rioja Alta "Viña Alberdi" Reserva Rioja

The 2005 Vina Alberdi Reserva is pure Tempranillo from the highest sites in the Rodezno and Labastida estates that is aged in American oak for two years. It has a lifted bouquet with diffuse brambly red fruit, heather and lavender. The palate has a touch of gingerbread on the entry. It possesses a fine lattice of tannins with an attractive core of peppery red fruit that leads to a leather-tinged finish with hints of orange rind and soy. It is composed, refined and is brimming with personality. Drink now-2020. (8/ 2012)

Dark red. Redcurrant, dried cherry and vanillin oak on the nose, with a smoky mineral quality in the background. Lively red fruit and rose pastille flavors are complemented by sweet vanilla bean and cola nuances. The oakiness fades away on the long finish, which is juicy, expansive and seamless. This wine's lively acidity makes it refreshing and easy to drink now, but it really deserves patience. (10/ 2010)

Named a top value in Eric Asimov's article "Wine's Sweet Spot is a $20 Bill" in the NY Times: "Most of the wines on this list are of recent vintage, but the Viña Alberdi Reserva is aged before its release, as was once traditional with Rioja Reservas. The result is a seven-year-old wine, delicious now but capable of further aging. Unlike La Rioja Alta's other cuvées, the Alberdi is 100 percent Tempranillo and offers a classic profile of mellow fruit framed by vanilla from American oak. Beautifully integrated, lively and lovely." (07/2012)