Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is one of the most experienced and universally respected wineries in Rioja. Viña Alberdi is La Rioja Alta's juiciest, most approachable Riojas to drink on the younger side. That said, it's still one of the standard bearers of great quality, affordable, traditional Rioja, aged for two full years in barrels produced on site by the company's own coopers, with the first year in new wood and the second in “three wine” barrels. While La Rioja Alta’s more elevated cuvées may often steal the limelight, Viña Alberdi is a force to be reckoned with in 2021, a vintage in the running for the finest in Rioja since 2010 or even 2001. This shows aromas of red cherries, earthy nuances and mushrooms. Medium- to full-bodied, with great length and a chiselled, evenly distributed palate, displaying a fine balance between fruit, acidity and tannin. The label bears the distinction Selección Especial, a designation last used for this wine in 2001 and reserved for exceptional vintages. Sourced from vineyards in Rodezno, Labastida and Cenicero, it is aged for its first year in new American oak. Approachable now but with the structure and balance to evolve over time.