La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Especial Reserva 1995

Medium-deep garnet with a freshness that puts the '96 firmly in its place. Spiced cherry and redcurrant on the nose, with a lift that keeps everything animated. In the mouth, the fruit holds center stage, the oak has retreated gracefully, letting the wine's natural vitality do the work. Acidity is well-cut and precise, the finish composed and long. Vintage quality is the real factor here; an extra year in bottle helps, but this is the more complete, more layered wine by some distance.