Wine: Viña Ardanza 1989 ReservaWinery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo
ABV: 13%
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo
ABV: 13%
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. Following temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine rested in large 18,000-liter seasoned oak vats for 9 months to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. In the late summer of 1990, it was transferred to used 225-liter American oak barrels for 42 months of aging, undergoing 7 manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Bottled between April and May 1994, it aged for at least 24 months in the winery’s cellars before 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. Following temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine rested in large 18,000-liter seasoned oak vats for 9 months to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. In the late summer of 1990, it was transferred to used 225-liter American oak barrels for 42 months of aging, undergoing 7 manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Bottled between April and May 1994, it aged for at least 24 months in the winery’s cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium depth; slightly turbid with very fine
suspended particles. Matte finish with muted brilliance and faint
reddish highlights. Broad, tawny (atejado) rim. Strong sense of viscosity with dense, persistent legs.
Nose:
Initial bewilderment upon opening. The wine appears closed and quite
reductive, with a slight impression of fatigue (attic dust, incense). It
recovers gradually, revealing notes of smoke, charcoal, and smoldering
embers, followed by an earthy backdrop that gains presence with
aeration. Fully tertiary in character, it is packed with notes of
saddlery, faisandage, wet fur, seasoned wood, and cigar leaf, with a trace of liqueur-like fruit and fungal undertones remaining in the background.
Palate:
The palate confirms this maturity. Broad, oily, and fully
settled—verging on its limit—it features a prominent array of creamy
toast and oak spices in the foreground. While somewhat lean in acidity,
it remains very drinkable. The tannins are polished to the point of
being nearly imperceptible.
Commentary:
A step below the 1987 and 1985 Ardanza vintages but still thoroughly recommended. It is a wine that has reached its peak; better to enjoy now than to wait any longer.
A step below the 1987 and 1985 Ardanza vintages but still thoroughly recommended. It is a wine that has reached its peak; better to enjoy now than to wait any longer.
Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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