La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2016 (1x75cl)

Outstanding dark-cherry red; intense, bright and clean. The first impression on the nose is of great freshness provided by notes of cherries and blackcurrants mixed with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, caramel and vanilla from barrel aging. Pleasant entry. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, balanced acidity and fine, elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a lovely aftertaste, where liqueur-like notes of blackcurrants intermingle with toasty notes and sweet spices turning this special edition of Viña Ardanza into a fine, elegant wine. An ideal pairing with roasted and grilled meats, barbecues, poultry and game, Iberian ham and sausages, as well as semi-cured cheeses.

The best classic style of Grenache and Tempranillo pulling together joyful fruit expression and serious depth. In the mouth it is amazingly complex and so unique. A benchmark Rioja blend. A rich, sweet and savoury Reserva style with all the red cherries and a strong Grenache influence. It is somewhat old-fashioned, in a good way, with plentiful integrated oak and a fine rasp of tannin. This has a wonderful oxidative style, giving it a superb savoury nose of leather. It is a perfect combination of mellowness versus vigour, and at the same time exudes great finesse.

JS94James Suckling

Aromatic nose of dried strawberries and flowers follows through to a full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Opulent and delicious yet refined. Drink now.

RP93Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Vintages for Viña Ardanza seem to be going fast. It seems like yesterday that the 2001 was released and now the 2008 Viña Ardanza is already here. This is the first vintage when they have been able to use the fruit from their new Garnacha vineyards in the village of Tudelilla (Rioja Baja), La Pedriza, which represents 20% of the blend complementing the majority of Tempranillo. The wine was put in barrel in March 2009, separately; the Tempranillo was in four-year-old barrels for 36 months with six rackings, and the Garnacha in second and third use barrels for 30 months with five rackings. Vintages might go fast, but the wine does not feel too young, which was my fear. There are notes of stewed meat, cured leather, cloves, other spices and an overall balsamic character. The palate feels solid, consistent, nicely built, with abundant tannins and good balancing acidity. This should stand up to food and be able to develop in bottle.

WS90Wine Spectator

Cedar, tea and tobacco notes frame the dried cherry, vanilla and orange peel flavors in this traditional red. Offers good depth and lively acidity, with an alluring, spicy finish. An old-school style, compact and balanced. Drink now through 2023