92
points
La Rioja Alta 1995 Gran Reserva 904 Red (Rioja)
-
$60
Big and noisy for a wine with 13 years of age behind it. The bouquet mixes raisin, tobacco and leathery aromas with great results. The palate is stylish and flows nicely, with tobacco, dried fruit and tomato flavors. Excellent on the finish, with classy oak and leather. Drink now through 2015. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers…
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
88
points
La Rioja Alta 2001 Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Red (Rioja)
-
$27
Alberdi from La Rioja Alta is a slight throwback. The nose has more than a twinge of tomato leaf, wet clay, tobacco and raisin, but also maturity and floral notes akin to a good Burgundy. Meanwhile, the palate pitches tomato leaf, cranberry, tobacco and dried plum flavors. A little bit light and reedy by modern standards, but alluring as well. Drink now. A Europvin…
— M.S.
(12/15/2008)
87
points
La Rioja Alta 2000 Viña Ardanza Reserva Red (Rioja)
-
$40
Viña Ardanza is always a lean, stripped-back Rioja, and frankly it has never been a personal favorite. The 2000 is typically tight and austere, with minty red-fruit aromas mixed with herbs and vanilla. The palate is sharp-edged, with bold acidity. Thus if it’s a citric wine with light fruit and classic zest that you want, Ardanza will please. A Europvin…
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)