Viña Ardanza 1995 Reserva

Wine: Viña Ardanza 1995 Reserva

Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Viticulture

The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes originate from the "Viña Ardanza" estate in Montecillo and small-scale growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida.
Winemaking

 Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures, followed by a settling period before racking. The wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels in April 1996. It underwent manual rackings every six months, using the traditional candle-lit method to separate the "lees" from the "clear" wine. Aged for 43 months until bottling in November 1999. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging was completed in the winery’s underground cellars prior to release. 

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Stable, medium-high depth (capa) reddish-ruby; dark and deeply-hued with moderate brightness. It has evolved very little in the bottle, maintaining great intensity. It shows pomegranate and orange highlights with a narrow copper rim that contrasts sharply with the core. Immense, exaggerated, and permanent legs (tears).

 

Nose: Less classic than anticipated. The habitual abundance of tertiary notes is currently masked by remarkably fresh red fruit and ground spices (clove, bay leaf). In the background, there are elegant, subtle toasted nuances that contribute creaminess and a touch of vanilla. Nothing feels artificial; it is pure, concentrated, and endowed with great strength. It never faltered during the tasting. A muscular wine.

 

Palate: It possesses surprising density and presence. Powerful, concentrated, savory, and bursting with energy. It seems as though the years have not touched it. It maintains an initial nerve sustained by a bracing acidity, a wealth of spices, and high-toned (acídulo), fresh, earthy red fruit. The tannins follow suit: firm and pronounced. It will require a few more years of cellaring to soften. Long and persistent, with high-quality bitter notes and a citrus-driven sensation on the finish (retronasal). A Viña Ardanza of a less accessible style than other vintages, but in no way inferior in quality. Together with the 1996 Reserva, it forms a duo of immense personality, each with its own distinct style.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 92