La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2019 Bottle size: 750ml

‘Julio Sáenz uses grapes from Haro, Labastida and Rodezno to produce this well-priced Tempranillo. Couched in the bodega's well-established traditional style, with ageing in new and then four-year-old American oak, this has some subtle reduction, sweet patisserie spices of vanilla and coconut, racy acidity, succulent summer berry fruit and the faintest of balsamic twists. 2024-29’ – Tim Atkin MW, Rioja Special Report 2024, 92/100

‘Attractive aromas of sweet spices, smoke and seaweed. Some roasted nuts. Hints of Iberico ham. Medium-bodied with a nice rounded character to the tannins and juicy fruit. Pure tempranillo.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 92/100

‘The 2019 Reserva Viña Alberdi is 100% Tempranillo, sourced from Labastida, Rioja Alavesa and aged for two years in American oak barrels. Garnet in color, the bouquet features vanilla and ripe plum notes along with hints of balsamic and caramel. Dry and juicy on the palate, the polished tannins and silky flow lead to a fairly nimble finish - a delicate Rioja red. 2024-2034’ – Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 91/100

‘Hints of toast, smoke and spices lace flavors of soft cherry and plum fruit, mandarin orange peel and dried flowers and herbs in this well-knit, medium-bodied red, framed by lightly chewy tannins.’ – Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 91/100

‘Maturing blackish ruby with a pale rim. Classic, traditional rioja nose with notes of vanilla (American oak) and supremely ripe fruit – the sweetness and tobacco leaves of Tempranillo. The label looks a tad unserious but the wine belies this. It should be set for many years' further evolution because the tannins are still evident now. There's real lift and refreshment to this wine. 2024-2034’ – Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, 17+/20

‘A wine with a high robe, bright, garnet colour and intense red cherry tones on the rim of the glass. On the nose, its aromatic intensity of ripe fruit,strawberries, raspberries and red berries stands out, rounding off the pleasant balsamic notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. On the palate it is round, balanced, with a pleasant initial freshness and sweet, round tannins, giving way to a long, fruity and balsamic aftertaste,so characteristics of Viña Alberdi.’ – Winemaker