Wine: Viña Ardanza 1999 Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13% vol.
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13% vol.
Winemaking:
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes originate from the Viña Ardanza estate in Montecillo and small producers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Initial fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. In April 2000, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels, where it matured for 36 months. It underwent two manual rackings per year until its bottling in November 2003. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required before its commercial release.
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes originate from the Viña Ardanza estate in Montecillo and small producers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Initial fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. In April 2000, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels, where it matured for 36 months. It underwent two manual rackings per year until its bottling in November 2003. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required before its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color with medium-high depth; dark and remarkably clean,
with no trace of sediment. Garnet and orange reflections with moderate
brilliance. Broad coppery rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
High initial intensity, showing a certain structural hardness. It is
packed with notes of seasoned wood, damp staves, and "palillo," which
fail to overshadow the avalanche of candied fruit that follows. This
fruit profile is multi-faceted, appearing spiced and infused with
aromatic herbs, rock tea, and fennel. It suggests a higher Garnacha
content than declared, with a pronounced Mediterranean accent that is
unusual for the brand. Classic descriptors—tobacco shreds, cocoa powder,
and orange peel—emerge but cannot mask its vibrant vitality.
Palate:
Mature, voluptuous, and greasy on the palate, yet measured and balanced
throughout, never renouncing its habitual drive. It is filled with
juicy, fresh red fruit framed by a delicate vanilla nuance. More settled
than the nose suggests, it still possesses a long journey ahead.
Commentary:
A true pleasure to rescue one of these Ardanza vintages, often "declassified" by market haste, and drink it in its full plenitude. It sits at a near-perfect equilibrium between the immediate delivery of its early years—now 15 years past—and the promise of what it will become with further cellaring. A singular version of Ardanza that prioritizes ripeness and southern character.
A true pleasure to rescue one of these Ardanza vintages, often "declassified" by market haste, and drink it in its full plenitude. It sits at a near-perfect equilibrium between the immediate delivery of its early years—now 15 years past—and the promise of what it will become with further cellaring. A singular version of Ardanza that prioritizes ripeness and southern character.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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