2001 Riojanas Vina Albina Gran Reserva
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The 2001 Vina Albina Gran Reserva displays elegant balsamic aromas of sandalwood, tobacco, tea leaves and leather. The medium-bodied palate is supple, still holding onto some juicy fruit, with roasted flavors and a good finish. This is a very good Gran Reserva, but I’d have expected a little more complexity for such a great vintage. Drink 2014-2020. Bodegas Riojanas produced some spectacular vintages of Vina Albina and Monte Real in the old times, and the 1942 Albina remains one of the best Riojas I’ve ever drunk, but unfortunately today’s wines are not at the same level. My favorite was a semi-sweet white that reminded me a little bit of one historical semi-sweet white from Rioja, the 1939 Corona from CVNE. Imported by Bodegas Riojanas USA Corp., Hoboken, NJ; tel. (201) 401-5636
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Bright red-ruby. Candied raspberry, plum, currant and roasted nuts, with American oak notes of bourbon and spices. Densely packed and sweet, with spicy flavors of strawberry, cherry and plum nicely framed by fresh acids. Finishes quite ripe and sweet, with smooth tannins and a meaty nuance. .