La Rioja Alta Rioja Vina ARDANZA RESERVA 2019 750ml

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva — Rioja Alta 2019

Viña Ardanza is the crown jewel of La Rioja Alta — and the 2019 vintage may be its finest expression in a generation. A blend of 80% old-vine Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero in Rioja Alta and 20% Garnacha from Tudelilla in Rioja Oriental, the wine is aged 36 months in American oak for the Tempranillo and 30 months for the Garnacha — all from La Rioja Alta’s own cooperage. No 2018 was produced; 2019 marks a pivotal change in Ardanza: more fresh fruit from the Garnacha, less spice, and a modern intensity that recalls the legendary 2015. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 96 points. Wine Advocate and Decanter each gave it 94. At under $40, it is one of the most compelling values in all of classic Rioja.

Intense cherry red with garnet at the rim. The nose is of great aromatic power: ripe cherry, currant, red plum, then balsamic and spicy notes of pepper, licorice, clove, vanilla, toasted caramel, and nutmeg. On the palate, it is fresh and beautifully balanced, with fine, silky, melty tannins and an ample, long finish that weaves red fruit and spice with remarkable elegance. Still young and undeveloped — it will reward another decade in the cellar.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 — “Highly impressive, full-bodied… lively, complex, and lengthy, with melty tannins.” (Viintage 2019).

Wine Advocate 94 — “Spicy, structured, balanced and powerful… a modern version of 2015.” (Vintage 2019).

Decanter 94 — “A super-classic and great interpretation of Rioja reserva… surely a reference for reserva wines in the region.”

Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “Every release from Viña Ardanza La Rioja Alta is simply beautifully crafted to almost perfection. Reservas at the winery are aged up to maximum craftsmanship and released to the market until the wine team feels it has aged consistently. Intense cherry red color, marking the garnet on the edge of the glass. Of great aromatic power, first of fruity character (cherry, currant, red plum) giving way then to balsamic and spicy notes (pepper, licorice, clove, vanilla, toasted caramel and nutmeg). Fresh and balanced in the mouth, with fine and silky tannins. Ample aftertaste that combines red fruits and spices with a fresh and long character.”

• Producer: La Rioja Alta, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa — Reserva
• Blend: 80% Tempranillo (Fuenmayor & Cenicero), 20% Garnacha (Tudelilla)
• Aging: 36 months American oak (Tempranillo), 30 months American oak (Garnacha) — estate cooperage
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, currant, red plum, pepper, licorice, clove, vanilla, toasted caramel, nutmeg
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10–15 years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, red meats, barbecue, game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses

A 96-point Rioja Reserva at an honest price — Viña Ardanza 2019 is the benchmark for what classic Rioja can be.