Bodegas Riojanas is one of the classic centenarian bodegas in Rioja, based in the Rioja Alta town of Cenicero. Viña Albina is made as either a Reserva or, in the best vintages, as a Gran Reserva as well. It is a classically styled wine, faithful to the traditional style and ideal the Rioja is best represented as a blend featuring Tempranillo, but not neglecting the other important grapes of the region, in this case Graciano and Mazuelo, this latter grape variety always marking Albiña with wonderfully earthy and spicy notes. Currently our lone representative of the fantastic 1987 vintage in Rioja, this should be a beauty. The wine came to us through our friendly Sonoma neighbors at the Rare Wine Company, who recently sourced several large collections of Rioja from cellars in the cool, damp, northerly climes of the Pais Vasco (Basque Country). (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish Wine Buyer)