Viña Ardanza 1986 Blanco Reserva

Wine: Viña Ardanza 1986 Blanco Reserva

Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Viura, 30% Malvasía Riojana
ABV: 11.5%
Winemaking

Selection of old vines from the "Finca Montecillo" in Briñas and Villalba. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine spent 9 months in large, old wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before racking. Subsequently, it underwent 24 months of aging in 225-liter American oak barrels with four traditional hand-rackings (trasiegas). Bottled in July 1989. Aged in the bottle for a minimum of one year prior to its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Intense yellow with a sturdy viscosity that forms thick, persistent legs (tears). It shows vibrant golden and copper highlights; bright and lively.

 

Nose: The finest bottle we have ever opened of this deeply missed Ardanza. Majestic and unapologetic—extraordinarily powerful, candied, and featuring a Viura that embodies pure elegance. It is brimming with aromas of toffee, glacé fruit, poached quince, dried apricots, and traditional Aragonese fruit candies (frutas de Aragón), all over a background of seasoned wood and nuts of staggering elegance. Expansive and open, it gains intensity with aeration, revealing notes of confectionery, Maria biscuits, toasted cereal, roasted apple, and sensational toasted nuances. 

 

Palate: Supple and full-bodied; concentrated and savory with an intense acidity. It remains incredibly lively, with so much potential that it is still in the process of fully integrating. Subtle bitter notes and ultra-refined, elegant toasted hints emerge, alongside sweet citrus. The finish is remarkably long with an unimaginably candied aftertaste (retronasal). This is a distinct and complementary interpretation of the classic wood-aged Rioja white, reaching the present day without a single wrinkle. It possesses everything in abundance, driven by an obstinate Viura that simply refuses to age. Reviving this wine should be an absolute priority for the winery. 

 

Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Score: 95

Tasting Notes (07/08/2013):
 

Appearance: Intense golden color with significant density; oily in texture, forming massive legs (tears). It displays luminous orange and reddish highlights.

 

Nose: Powerful, open, and very mature. It is brimming with caramelized sensations: toffee, honey candy, cappuccino, dried apricots, glacé fruit, pastries, and poached quince. Remarkably expressive from the moment of pouring, requiring no additional aeration.

 

Palate: Supple, lively, and highly concentrated on the palate. It is filled with fruit preserves, dried apricots, orange marmalade, and almost exotic syrupy notes (peach, pineapple, lychee), alongside a soft patina of classic aging that brings hints of beeswax, high-quality wood, and fine vanilla. Everything is impeccably balanced and sustained by a sharp acidity complemented by sweet citrus. More settled and mature than in the previous tasting, but maintaining the same sense of plenitude. Ready to drink now! These white Viña Ardanza bottlings were crafted with the same meticulous care and quality standards as their red counterparts. Another great Riojan wine that has disappeared and which we continue to miss. A worthy heir to the historic white labels like Ricuana, Leonor, or Metropole.

 

Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 94

Tasting Notes (10/04/2013):
 

Appearance: Golden yellow with a sturdy viscosity; thick legs (tears). Clean and bright, showing golden and orange highlights.

 

Nose: Initially somewhat shy, requiring aeration to gain intensity. It awakens majestically, expressing brilliant syrupy notes of candied quince, dried apricots, beeswax, noble woods, and nuts (bitter almond, shells). Distinguished and refined; its broad yet non-invasive profile leads us to a very traditional white typology, though distinct from those subjected to ultra-long aging. Pristine and free of any reductive hints, it appears much younger than its age. The creamy nuances are fine and elegant—well-integrated and never aggressive. Hints of baked cereal (Maria biscuits) emerge, intertwined with a Viura in a state of grace. Splendidly orderly, everything is in its place and rich in detail. Background aromas of stone fruit and a touch of greengage plum.

 

Palate: It is on the palate where this wine truly astounds us. Simply fantastic! Full-bodied, concentrated, savory, and complex, with an intense acidity that breathes life into the ensemble and an almost imperceptible alcohol sensation. It possesses the texture of a truly great wine—caressing, yet slightly less oily than the appearance suggested. A grand Ardanza that, despite its age, remains young and fresh, with immense potential to evolve further. Its profile recalls the classic Monopole style more than the long-aged whites. No excesses here, only balance. The finish is intense, filled with candied fruit, syrup, and creamy notes. A historic white that was discontinued in the late 1980s and which we deeply miss. A worthy heir to the winery's historic Metropol whites.

 

Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 94

Viña Ardanza 1986 Blanco Reserva. Una de las últimas añadas de los blancos criados en barrica que durante años elaboraba La Rioja Alta S.A.

 Metropol Extra 1973 Blanco Reserva. Antecedente del Viña Ardanza Blanco Reserva. Un gran vino!!!