Old vines are the quiet story hidden behind the 2020 Viña Alberdi Reserva. This wine is a red Rioja Reserva produced by La Rioja Alta, made entirely from Tempranillo grapes. Fruit comes from Mayorita, El Bardal and El Rebollar in Rodezno, plus Alto del Rey in Labastida, with vines planted more than forty years ago. The grapes are hand-harvested, one cluster at a time.
The year 2020 presented many challenges for growers in the Rioja region. Warm and humid spring weather caused the vines' growth to advance by up to 10 days earlier than expected. In May, the average temperature exceeded 15°C and spring rainfall was 40% higher than normal, significantly increasing mildew pressure in the Rioja Alta region. The summer was sweltering, with 13 days above 35°C. In September, the weather turned dry, creating favourable harvest conditions, and the harvest began about 5 days earlier than scheduled; the Consejo Regulador capped yields at 90% of potential production.
The harvested grape clusters were spaced out, allowing for good airflow, and ripened beautifully. This is fully evident in a glass of wine: fresh aromas, moderate alcohol content, and a flavor that is ripe yet not heavy. Alberdi is this winery's entry-level wine, produced in large quantities. The 2020 vintage offers the classic harmony of Haro's signature red fruit aromas and American oak spice, without the heaviness sometimes found in some hot vintages.
DOCa Rioja Control Board rated the 2020 vintage as Very Good.
Robert Parker (92)
The younger wine here is the 2020 Viña Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it's sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.6 and five grams of acidity. It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age.
Winespectator (91)
Hints of tobacco, smoke and vanilla are a fragrant thread winding through the baked cherry and raspberry fruit, cocoa powder and red licorice notes on display in this lively, harmonious, focused red. Fine, crisp tannins firm the finish. Drink now through 2030. 54,166 cases made, 15,000 cases imported.
James Suckling (93)
A classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it two more years to get more mushroom complexity.
Jancis Robinson (16)
Tasted blind. Aromas of coffee and chocolate, with a lactic note over stewed plum. Very soft, rounded tannins, with sweet-textured fruit on the palate. Distinctly lactic finish with vanilla notes. Drinking well now. A classic style that consistently shows maturity and complexity, and good value
Vinous (90)
The 2020 Reserva Viña Alberdi is 100% Tempranillo sourced from various sites in Rioja Alta. Aged first in new American oak and then in used barrels, it offers ripe red fruit, a hint of jam and balsamic notes, with vanilla-laced oak in the background. Agile on the palate, with gentle grip and a soft, silky texture, this closes with lingering fruit and a subtle oak imprint. The 2020 is a warm-vintage classic.
Peñin (92)
Colour: bright cherry
Aroma: red berry notes, wild herbs, dried herbs, spicy
Flavour: fruity, powerful, flavourful, balanced, spicy, round tannins
