I found this compelling; the aromatically complex bouquet packs in cherry, orange, nutmeg, incense, leather and that tobacco ash note that is almost a La Rioja Alta signature. The palate is satisfying and persistent, with sweet, ripe fruit lifted by the complexing, savoury acidity on the finish. An instant classic in the house style. (NT 29/03/21)
- Producer
- La Rioja Alta
- Origin
- Haro, Rioja Alta, North central Spain, Spain SPAIN
- Colour
- red
- Wine Style
- dry
- Dominant Grape
- Tempranillo
- Maturity
- drink or keep
- Bottle Size
- 37.5cl
- Case Quantity
- 12
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Wine Score
- 94 points, Decanter Panel Tasting, decanter.com, Wines of the Year 2020
94 points, Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com, Oct 2020
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Media Reviews
Decanter Panel tasting
Warming, nutty, complex Rioja with layers of fruit and a softness of dark cherry fruit on the palate. Soft tannins and elegantly poised with a long, savoury finish. 94 points
Luis Gutierrez
Garnacha is an important component in the 2012 Viña Ardanza Reserva, where it represents 20% of the blend (the rest is, of course, Tempranillo). 2011 was a difficult vintage for Garnacha, so Viña Ardanza was not produced that year and they jumped from 2010, which had the mention "Selección Especial," to 2012, where it returns to the regular Reserva. The wine is a prototype of polished and aged Rioja with a ruby color with some orange and a developed nose with subtle aromas of decayed leaves, sweet spices and some cherries in liqueur even, quite complex and harmonious. The palate is velvety but rich, with resolved tannins and a fine chalky mouthfeel, sleek and elegant, terribly balanced. The flavors are pure and defined, and there is an overall sense of harmony that I like very much. Brilliant Ardanza! They produced no less than 600,000 bottles of this wine, which is remarkable. It has been in bottle since March 2016, so it`s very approachable but should also age nicely in bottle. Drink or keep. 94 points