Wine: Viña Ardanza 2000 Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Winemaking:
The Garnacha is sourced from old-growth plots in Ausejo and Tudelilla (Rioja Baja). The Tempranillo originates from the "Viña Ardanza" (Cenicero) and "La Cuesta" (Fuenmayor) estates, as well as from small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for 14 days at a maximum of 28°C, followed by a 21-day malolactic fermentation. In March 2001, the wine was transferred to American oak barrels (average age of 4 years) for a 36-month aging period, with two manual rackings per year. Bottled on March 1, 2004, it underwent a minimum of 48 months of bottle aging in the Haro cellars before release.
The Garnacha is sourced from old-growth plots in Ausejo and Tudelilla (Rioja Baja). The Tempranillo originates from the "Viña Ardanza" (Cenicero) and "La Cuesta" (Fuenmayor) estates, as well as from small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for 14 days at a maximum of 28°C, followed by a 21-day malolactic fermentation. In March 2001, the wine was transferred to American oak barrels (average age of 4 years) for a 36-month aging period, with two manual rackings per year. Bottled on March 1, 2004, it underwent a minimum of 48 months of bottle aging in the Haro cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-red with medium-high depth; dark and opaque. Clean and luminous
with vibrant orange reflections. Narrow, copper-toned rim, sharply
defined against the meniscus. Strong sense of viscosity.
Nose:
Appealing, open, and highly expressive. It shows a slight predominance
of reduced red fruit, complemented by a fine reductive backdrop of
leather, cedar, and blond tobacco. A solid and orderly red, sitting
stylistically between the classic and modern Ardanza profiles. It
possesses enough breadth to unfurl slowly, revealing greater depth with
varietal notes of preserves and withered flowers.
Palate:
Mature and slightly candied on the palate. Succulent and "goloso," it
offers a good amount of fruit sustained by adequate acidity and nerve
that elevates the whole. Savory, full, and integrated—exceptionally
round and seamless. It shows a surprising degree of integration at this
stage.
Commentary:
An honest and more than reliable Reserva that appears to have reached its peak, drinking beautifully right now. While a notable vintage for Ardanza, it does not quite reach the heights of the 1996 or 2001 releases. The debate regarding the long-term aging potential of contemporary Ardanza remains open; while their 30-to-40-year lifespan is yet to be proven, their current enjoyment is undeniable.
An honest and more than reliable Reserva that appears to have reached its peak, drinking beautifully right now. While a notable vintage for Ardanza, it does not quite reach the heights of the 1996 or 2001 releases. The debate regarding the long-term aging potential of contemporary Ardanza remains open; while their 30-to-40-year lifespan is yet to be proven, their current enjoyment is undeniable.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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