La Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva Vina Ardanza 2001 750ml
Rated 97 by James Suckling
Incredible aromas of flowers such as violets and orange blossom with dark fruits and sweet fruit tea. Full body, very dense and powerful yet polished and refined. Dried fruits with praline and pie crust. Unique wine that everyone should try once, if possible. Very balanced. Drink now.
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Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 2001 Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from their vineyards in Fuenmayor and Rioja Baja respectively and it represents only the third vintage to be declared after 1964 and 1973. Aged in American cask for 36 months, it has a bucolic, natural bouquet of bright red cherries, balsamic, mint and a touch of dried honey all with superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful delineation and supple, lithe tannins. The acidity is very well judged and it leads to a pert, tense finish of bitter cherry, loganberry and licorice. This is an outstanding wine drinking perfectly now, but it should age effortlessly. Drink now-2030.
Deep red. Sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe raspberry and cherry with suggestions of potpourri, sandalwood and vanilla. Shows more power and darker fruits on the palate, picking up a touch of singed plum that adds a serious quality to the sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors without costing the wine any of its vibrancy. The long, sweet finish hangs on with very good tenacity.
Clear and brilliant dark cherry red. Medium-high robe, with an incipient iodine tone on the rim of the glass. Intense, spicy and balsamic aromas, including coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and mint chocolate, over dry nuts. Its refined and complex bouquet is reminiscent of the brand’s mythical vintages, especially 1964. Structured and balanced to the palate, with silky tannins. A pleasant, sophisticated after taste, which fills the mouth with never-ending sensations which time will enhance. Especially suitable for roast lamb, grilled chops, game and rabbit, fish cooked in sauce and smoked and well-cured cheese.