B-21 Top Recommendation
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Called "one of the most traditional addresses in Rioja" by the Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, the lush 92 pt. 2019 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi delivers outstanding bang for the buck for fans of classically crafted Rioja, an elegant ageworthy Riserva offering fresh, aromatic red fruit with balsamic notes of vanilla, caramel and spice balanced by soft, fine tannins on a long, silky finish, already drinking beautifully and value priced for everyday enjoyment.
Founded as a cooperative effort of five enterprising families in 1890, La Rioja Alta merged with the Ardanza Winery in 1904 and became renowned for their signature Vina Ardanza Reserva, crafting their first release of the Vina Alberdi in 1970 as a fresher expression of Tempranillo while maintaining their exceptional criteria for extended aging. Spanning over 400 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, La Rioja Alta sourced the Tempranillo for the 2019 Vina Alberdi from estate vineyards situated in Rodezno and Labastida at 500 to 600 meters above sea level, the low yielding Tempranillo vines averaging over 40 years of age planted in a nitrogen-rich mix of clay and limestone that retains water throughout the hot growing season and enhances concentration. Employing strict selection in the vineyards, the hand harvested grapes are transported under refrigeration and fermented with natural yeasts before being transferred to barrels custom crafted in La Rioja Alta's onsite cooperage. Employing four rackings from barrel to barrel while separating the sediment by candlelight, the refined 2019 La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi was aged in new American oak barrels for the first year and in four-year-old American oak barrels for the second year, yielding "a delicate Rioja Red" according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo revealing intensely aromatic, juicy spiced fruit with vibrant acidity and layers of ripe tannins promising a decade of longevity.
Described by critic Tim Atkin as exhibiting the "elegance and American oak sweetness" of the estate's flagship Vina Ardanza, the appealing 92 pt. 2019 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi offers the full-bodied richness of age worthy Tempranillo in an approachable style, an affordable luxury declared a "Smart Buy" by the Wine Spectator's Alison Napjus and an outstanding value for Rioja fans seeking a delicious everyday pour. | 
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