Wine: Viña Ardanza 1983 Reserva
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
Most of the grapes were sourced from the "Viña Ardanza" estate in Montecillo and small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. The Garnacha was selected from various vineyards in Tudelilla. Following temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was racked into 18,000-liter seasoned oak vats for a six-month refinement period. It was then moved to used 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 36 to 42 months, undergoing a total of seven manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Bottled in late 1988, it rested for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Most of the grapes were sourced from the "Viña Ardanza" estate in Montecillo and small growers in Haro, Briñas, Briones, Villalba, and Labastida. The Garnacha was selected from various vineyards in Tudelilla. Following temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was racked into 18,000-liter seasoned oak vats for a six-month refinement period. It was then moved to used 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 36 to 42 months, undergoing a total of seven manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Bottled in late 1988, it rested for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby-red with medium-low depth; very clear, low extraction, and
translucent. Displays brilliant orange and copper reflections. A
significant amount of sediment is present at the base. The rim is broad
and tawny (atejado), with little contrast against the meniscus. Notable sense of viscosity.
Nose:
Open, sweet-toned, and vanilla-driven. It shows good intensity but
struggles to evolve in the glass. It gradually pushes through a profile
dominated by creamy and dairy oak notes toward a more candied character.
A generous amount of fruit (sloes, cherries, quince) eventually shifts
toward smoke and Virginia tobacco, followed by a faint herbal and smoky
backdrop of laurel, tanned leather, forest floor, and ivy.
Palate:
Caressing, warm, and enveloping. Spiced and light-bodied, it possesses
just enough acidity to remain viable. Balanced and polished, though
somewhat lacking in energy, it remains extremely savory and enjoyable.
Commentary:
After opening two separate bottles, it appears this vintage is beginning to show the first signs of decline. While it remains as approachable and convincing as the 1980 Ardanza, it is highly advisable to enjoy any remaining bottles as soon as possible rather than waiting further.
After opening two separate bottles, it appears this vintage is beginning to show the first signs of decline. While it remains as approachable and convincing as the 1980 Ardanza, it is highly advisable to enjoy any remaining bottles as soon as possible rather than waiting further.
Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Average: 89
Tasting Group Average: 89
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