2018 Bodegas Riojanas Gran Albina Reserva DOCa Rioja

2018 Bodegas Riojanas Gran Albina Reserva DOCa Rioja

Bodegas Riojanas is a grand old names of Rioja, they have been producing wines since 1890. They produce really classic wines, I would put them firmly in the Rioja Old School territory. However, this Gran Albina Reserva is slightly deviated from their classic behavior, as I can feel that this label has more modern elements within it. With a blend of indigenous varities of 34% Tempranillo, 33% Mazuelo and 33% Garciano, the vineyard fully comply with the Reserva standards of ageing in new American, French and Eastern European oak barrels for 24 months followed by ageing in the wine bottle for another 12 months. One can easily get a whiff of the oak barrel through it’s bouquet which is very smoky and vanilla driven, and the dense dark cherry fruits. Mouthfeel is good, very lively and engaging, I particularly enjoy the well-integrated black fruits with the vanilla taste, very vibrant. This wine probably can age well down the road with a promise of a long life ahead.