Spain
2016 La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 6x75cl
"The 2016 Viña Ardanza Reserva was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha that matured in used American oak barrels for three years, where it was hand-racked from barrel to barrel six times... in the case of Tempranillo and five times for the Garnacha, as it had a slightly shorter élevage of 30 months. Against all odds, I found the 2016 to be fresher than the 2015 and less developed, despite the fact that winemaker Julio Sáenz told me he considers it a warmer year. But I have found many wines I like in 2016, and the wine feels very clean and quite harmonious, younger and less developed, with more primary notes and a velvety mouthfeel. 600,000 bottles produced. The wine was bottled in June 2020." 94+ pts., Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com
£119 / Case£19.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2017 La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 12x75cl
"A more vibrant and fruitier expression of Ardanza this year with strawberries, mussels, warm spices and berries. Round and silky on the palate with lovely spices and a long, nicely saline finish. A nice touch of creaminess works really well here and further extends the finish." 95 pts., James Suckling
£238 / Case£19.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2016 La Rioja Alta, Vina Arana Gran Reserva, Rioja 6x75cl
“The 2016 harvest is one of the highest quality I have seen, with a good level of volume. The vintage was characterised by perfect grapes and Viña Arana shows an immaculate balance between all... elements of the wine, showcasing the contemporary Gran Reserva style at La Rioja Alta, S.A. The nose stands out with its impressive aromatic intensity, and there is a great flavour concentration that will allow the wine to age for a very long time, and in a few years it will be superb.” Julio Saénz, head winemaker, La Rioja Alta
£186 / Case£31 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur