Five from La Rioja Alta

2006 La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva:

Deep ruby, brick rim. Figs, anise, blueberries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe tannins, bit lean and slightly dry finish, to much oak to handle for the fruit? 85 ****

2005 La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva:

Ruby, garnet rim. Red berries, vanilla, spicy and some figs notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruitier if somewhat lean as well, again drying finsih. 87 ****

2004 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva:

Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, floral, nuanced and dark berries nose. Anise, cigars and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, fruity, lively and elegant, good length. 88 *****

2001 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, anise, figs, nuanced and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, polished, elegant, lovely balance, long. 91 *****

1998 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890:

Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, nuanced, quite intense and flirting, blueberries, leather and anise nose. Fresh avidity, ripe tannins, structured, bit leaner palate than nose suggests, elegant, lovely palate, long. 90 *****