La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza Reserva, 2016

Viña Ardanza is the flagship wine from La Rioja Alta, one of the most traditional wineries in Rioja. 2016 was declared as `very good` by the Rioja DOCa board; a warm and dry summer has given the wine a real ripeness to the fruit, which is well-balanced by freshness and perfume from the high-altitude, old-vine Garnacha that is the key to Ardanza`s unique personality. A delicious Rioja Reserva that offers exceptional value!

Bright, charming aromas of red cherry and red plum fuse with a savoury, smoky edge as well as deft coconut and herbaceous dill tones. Medium-bodied with silky, yet firm tannins that wrap around a more black fruit dominant core with leather, clove and cinnamon spice flowing through into the long, lingering finish. Impressive vibrancy and poise, but will be benefit from a few years ageing. Andrew Ray

Savory and complex with dried orange peel, cedar and plenty of sweet spices, walnuts, caramel, dried mushrooms and pine needles. Shows maturity here, with a medium body and superb freshness. Incredibly long finish with lots of truffle and walnut. Lasts over a minute. Very complete now, but you can still hold it. 95/100 points. James Suckling 
 
This classy Rioja opens with a nose of strawberry jam, dried cranberries and red plum alongside pronounced coconut and dill. The comforting and silky palate melds Figgy Pudding with darker berries. Expertly delivered, with a long life ahead of it yet. 95/100 points. International Wine and Spirits Challenge 2022

The 2016 Viña Ardanza Reserva was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha that matured in used American oak barrels for three years, where it was hand-racked from barrel to barrel six times in the case of Tempranillo and five times for the Garnacha, as it had a slightly shorter élevage of 30 months. Against all odds, I found the 2016 to be fresher than the 2015 and less developed, despite the fact that winemaker Julio Sáenz told me he considers it a warmer year. But I have found many wines I like in 2016, and the wine feels very clean and quite harmonious, younger and less developed, with more primary notes and a velvety mouthfeel. 94+/100 points. Drink 2022-2032. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate)