2015 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Gran Reserva 'Viña Albina'

80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano. The Tempranillo grapes were grown on old, high-lying vines (550−700 m) situated in Rioja Alta’s landmark districts: Cenicero, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Peciña, Ábalos, Briones, Rodezno and Ventosa. The Mazuelo came from El Cerrado, a vineyard more than 30 years old with calcareous-clay soils, located at an altitude of 450 m in Cenicero, and the Graciano from El Monte, an estate boasting 25-year-old vines, also in Cenicero.

The grapes were picked by hand and the wine was made using traditional methods. It was then aged for 36 months in American oak barrels (medium-toasted, second-use), followed by at least two years in the bottle, before being released.  13.5% alcohol. 

91 points, James Suckling. "Licorice spices, wet leaves and balsamic fruit. Some savory orange peel and walnuts, too. Quite a juicy, medium-bodied Rioja with dusty tannins. Conservative and savory, developed style."

91 points, Wine Enthusiast. Slightly desiccated aromas of prune soften toasty dark-fruit scents. This Reserva from a warm vintage is tight and braced by red-fruit acidity. Plum and raspberry flavors are spicy like a fine Rioja should be, while this finishes with integration and a firm texture. Drink through 2025."