Wine: Viña Ardanza 2001 Reserva EspecialWinery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Winemaking:
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes come 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 for 14 days, followed by a 21-day malolactic fermentation. In March 2002, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (average age of 3 years). It matured for 36 months, undergoing two manual rackings per year until its bottling in September 2005. It rested for a minimum of 48 months in the cellar before its commercial release.
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla, while the remaining grapes come 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 for 14 days, followed by a 21-day malolactic fermentation. In March 2002, the wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels (average age of 3 years). It matured for 36 months, undergoing two manual rackings per year until its bottling in September 2005. It rested for a minimum of 48 months in the cellar before its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; clear, limpid, and brilliant.
Radiant with reddish and orange reflections. Narrow coppery rim,
well-defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
High intensity and rich in nuances. It is abundant in reduced red
fruit, marked by a strong imprint of toasted oak, cedar, and an array of
reductive notes (shaded forest, leaf litter, jute, wine-soaked staves).
It displays a somewhat restless brilliance, revealing toasted notes,
black licorice, cocoa powder, and smoked spices. Immense vigor; after 14
years, this wine remains remarkably youthful.
Palate:
Broad and mature on the palate with a sweetness so characteristic of
the variety that it suggests a higher percentage of Garnacha than
declared. Savory, lively, and energetic, it possesses tremendous
solidity and an overwhelming personality. Firm tannins—still clearly
marked—and an acidity that envelops the ensemble like a candy coating. A
Viña Ardanza in peak form that has only just begun its journey.
Commentary:
The finest Ardanza since 1996. However, this bottle from an early lot differs significantly from later releases, which often felt simplistic and unbalanced. The "Reserva Especial" designation, while a marketing triumph, raises questions regarding the consistency and potential blending with subsequent vintages (2002/2003) to meet the massive market demand. Despite these doubts, this specific lot shows a wine with everything necessary for an exceptionally long life.
The finest Ardanza since 1996. However, this bottle from an early lot differs significantly from later releases, which often felt simplistic and unbalanced. The "Reserva Especial" designation, while a marketing triumph, raises questions regarding the consistency and potential blending with subsequent vintages (2002/2003) to meet the massive market demand. Despite these doubts, this specific lot shows a wine with everything necessary for an exceptionally long life.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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