Wine: Viña Ardanza 1998 ReservaWinery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Winemaking:
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla and Ausejo (Rioja Baja). The remaining grapes come from the "Viña Ardanza" estate in Montecillo (Fuenmayor), as well as from small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels in March 1999, where it aged for 36 months. It underwent two manual rackings per year until it was bottled in April 2002. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required before release.
The Garnacha is sourced from vineyards in Tudelilla and Ausejo (Rioja Baja). The remaining grapes come from the "Viña Ardanza" estate in Montecillo (Fuenmayor), as well as from small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was transferred to 225-liter American oak barrels in March 1999, where it aged for 36 months. It underwent two manual rackings per year until it was bottled in April 2002. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required before release.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-high depth; dark and opaque. Clean and free
of sediment. Displays orange and reddish reflections with muted
brilliance. Narrow, saffron-toned rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Medium intensity, frank, and fruit-forward, featuring a strong
expression of macerated red fruit alongside hints of leather and black
pepper. Fully integrated, the oak remains in the background—never
intrusive—with an almost total absence of tertiary characters. A very
fine patina of vanilla and sweet spices lingers in the distance without
dominating the bouquet.
Palate:
Fresh and light on the palate without excessive concentration. It is
driven by excellent acidity and an agile flow that provides great nerve.
Mirroring the nose, there is virtually no trace of prominent wood.
Savory and filled with tart, reduced red fruit, it features delicate,
polished tannins and high-quality fine bitters. Very persistent.
Commentary:
A well-resolved Reserva from La Rioja Alta that is beginning to approach its optimal drinking window. The last decade in the bottle has served it well, providing a refinement often missing in younger Ardanza releases. It possesses a lighter character compared to more recent vintages.
A well-resolved Reserva from La Rioja Alta that is beginning to approach its optimal drinking window. The last decade in the bottle has served it well, providing a refinement often missing in younger Ardanza releases. It possesses a lighter character compared to more recent vintages.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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