LA RIOJA ALTA SA Rioja Reserva 'Vina Ardanza' - Rioja Alta 2016/17 Bottle

Description

Viña Ardanza is a blend of 78% Tempranillo from the La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards in the Rioja Alta subregion, and 22% Garnacha from La Perdriza in Rioja Oriental. This Garnacha is the key to Ardanza’s structure, aromatics, and concentration: the vines are actually higher in altitude than most of the Rioja Alta subzone, and sit on barren, free-draining soils made up with large pudding-stones similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The area is perfectly situated to grow the finest Garnacha. These two varieties are harvested and vinified separately, ageing around three years in American oak barrels which are produced in-house by La Rioja Alta S.A.’s own cooperage.

James Suckling 95 points..."Creamy, balanced and layered with vibrant, spicy character. Long and polished."