Wine: Viña Albina 1966 Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Cenicero, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano, 5% Viura and others
ABV: N/A
Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Cenicero, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano, 5% Viura and others
ABV: N/A
Winemaking:
The majority of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards surrounding Cenicero, with a small portion from growers in Rioja Alavesa, Haro, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada. All varietals are vinified together. The wine rests for 18 months in original founding-era Yugoslavian oak vats (20,000-liter capacity) for fermentation and stabilization. It is then aged for 30 to 36 months in used American oak barrels, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. The wine underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release. Early lots were labeled as "Vieja Reserva" and later ones as "Reserva," though they contain the same wine.
The majority of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards surrounding Cenicero, with a small portion from growers in Rioja Alavesa, Haro, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada. All varietals are vinified together. The wine rests for 18 months in original founding-era Yugoslavian oak vats (20,000-liter capacity) for fermentation and stabilization. It is then aged for 30 to 36 months in used American oak barrels, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. The wine underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release. Early lots were labeled as "Vieja Reserva" and later ones as "Reserva," though they contain the same wine.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-red with medium-low depth; highly evolved. A significant
amount of sediment, in the form of very fine scales, is adhered to the
base of the bottle. Much of the wine remains sedimented and opaque.
Faint orange reflections with a matte, lackluster finish, accompanied by
nearly invisible suspended particles that add slight turbidity. Broad,
tawny (atejado) rim with a sharp contrast against the meniscus.
Nose:
Fully expressive upon opening—extroverted, direct, and mature, offering
good aromatic intensity. Immediate notes of chocolate liqueurs, triple
sec, toasted cocoa, and hints reminiscent of crème caramel (vanilla,
dairy, creaminess) emerge over a backdrop of caramelized sugar and black
liquorice. A series of reductive notes, initially buried under the
sweet-toned sensations, slowly break through with aeration, adding
complexity: beeswax, seasoned wood, old leather, cigar tobacco, and
vegetal fibers.
Palate:
A textbook Viña Albina: fine, fresh, and poised. It is light on its
feet yet concentrated and savory. The wine is structured by a marked
citric acidity—orange peel and high-quality bitters—which contrasts
beautifully with its extremely polished and seamless profile. Orderly
and very pleasing to drink.
Commentary:
A classic Albina that prioritizes elegance over power. While it lacks the sheer vigor of the legendary 1964 vintage, its balance and "sweet" aromatic profile make it a delightful, fully resolved Rioja.
A classic Albina that prioritizes elegance over power. While it lacks the sheer vigor of the legendary 1964 vintage, its balance and "sweet" aromatic profile make it a delightful, fully resolved Rioja.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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