2007 Vina Ardanza Reserva
Buying options
Tasting notes
The nose is very fresh, with notes of beef blood, iron, cherries in liqueur, some subtle leather and spices plus notes of autumn forest and truffles. The palate is more lively and has some tannins that would feel better integrated with some food or a little bit of time in bottle It was bottled in November 2011. This will be released around September/October 2015, so by the time it hits the shelves it will be more polished. Great value for money.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds, Vinous
More reviews and scores
80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha. Produced from fruit exclusively grown in the bodega's 360-ha vineyard holdings in the Rioja Alta region, and named after one of the region's founding families. Intense, rich, many-layered vanilla-and-toast nose. This is one of Majestic’s sure-fire bets. Long may this continue! Classic traditional rich rioja. Attractive freshness on the finish. (JR)
80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. Bricky red with brick rim. Sweetly leathery aroma, with hints of undergrowth and dried fruits. Satisfyingly chewy texture and full of dried-fruit flavours but still so fresh. Baking spice on the finish. Mature flavours now but still a long way to go. (JH)
Brilliant red. Lively, oak-spiced raspberry and cherry scents are complemented by candied rose and vanilla, with a smoky mineral topnote providing added lift. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering juicy red fruit, mocha and coconut flavors plus a suggestion of sweet chewing tobacco. In a graceful, approachable style, finishing with strong, thrust and silky, late-arriving tannins. While this suave Rioja is quite enjoyable now, I'd give it some more time in the cellar so that the American oak is able to integrate with the wine's fruit.
About the producer
Based in Haro, La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most famous, traditional wine producers – alongside the likes of López de Heredia, Muga and CVNE.