La Rioja Alta
Viña Ardanza Reserva Selección Especial Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
2012 vintage. Excellent rioja! Black fruits. Cigar box, lead pencil, earthy, new leather delicious.
2012 vintage. Excellent rioja! Black fruits. Cigar box, lead pencil, earthy, new leather delicious.
Nov 8th, 2022
An excellent expression of traditional Rioja! Tempranillo (80%) and Garnacha (20%) blend. Aromas of rose petals, leather and dark fruit. Pallet is full of plum, raspberry, cherry cola, balsamic vinegar and spices. Hint of orange peel. Soft/silky/dusty tannins, elegant balance and a long memorable finish. Beautiful! Even better the second day. Thank you for sharing Keith S. Revisited in May 2023. Still elegant and beautiful!
An excellent expression of traditional Rioja! Tempranillo (80%) and Garnacha (20%) blend. Aromas of rose petals, leather and dark fruit. Pallet is full of plum, raspberry, cherry cola, balsamic vinegar and spices. Hint of orange peel. Soft/silky/dusty tannins, elegant balance and a long memorable finish. Beautiful! Even better the second day. Thank you for sharing Keith S. Revisited in May 2023. Still elegant and beautiful!
May 5th, 2022
One of the better Rioja’s. Doesn’t pair well with lobster. @Anthony De Blasi
One of the better Rioja’s. Doesn’t pair well with lobster. @Anthony De Blasi
Mar 18th, 2022I forget about Spanish wine sometimes. Then comes a nice rioja to remind me. Medium body, some nice red fruit but overall dry finish. Dig.
I forget about Spanish wine sometimes. Then comes a nice rioja to remind me. Medium body, some nice red fruit but overall dry finish. Dig.
Dec 31st, 2021
So pure. Cherries and earth. A little greenish pouch tobacco. Beech Nut. Scoring on day 2
So pure. Cherries and earth. A little greenish pouch tobacco. Beech Nut. Scoring on day 2
Dec 30th, 2021
This 2012 Rioja is so rich and complex. It is drinking perfectly now, and needs no decant. La Rioja Alta is one of my favorite producers and this less expensive wine is a great purchase. Elegant fruit flavors, followed by an intense earthiness. There are so many flavors in this wine.
This 2012 Rioja is so rich and complex. It is drinking perfectly now, and needs no decant. La Rioja Alta is one of my favorite producers and this less expensive wine is a great purchase. Elegant fruit flavors, followed by an intense earthiness. There are so many flavors in this wine.
Oct 22nd, 2021A particularly vibrant ruby color in the glass with violet flecks. A nice and inviting nose upon opening that really sets the scene. Herbs and spices are all over this beauty. Plenty of fruit to be had with orange peel, cherries, and black cherries. Give it some time in the glass to properly open up and you’ll be rewarded with some vibrant notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well.
Traditional and elevated with enough complexity to give you the space for contemplation. 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and the Garnacha really makes itself known here. Rich and deep, this isn’t a fruit bomb but the fruit isn’t shy either. Ripe red fruits to combine with fresh herbs and beautiful dry earth. The earth here is tremendous and really, really speaks of the terroir. A long finish leaves you wanting more and let’s you know this has several years to go. Not quite the Selección Especial of 2010 but still fantastic.
A particularly vibrant ruby color in the glass with violet flecks. A nice and inviting nose upon opening that really sets the scene. Herbs and spices are all over this beauty. Plenty of fruit to be had with orange peel, cherries, and black cherries. Give it some time in the glass to properly open up and you’ll be rewarded with some vibrant notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well.
Traditional and elevated with enough complexity to give you the space for contemplation. 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and the Garnacha really makes itself known here. Rich and deep, this isn’t a fruit bomb but the fruit isn’t shy either. Ripe red fruits to combine with fresh herbs and beautiful dry earth. The earth here is tremendous and really, really speaks of the terroir. A long finish leaves you wanting more and let’s you know this has several years to go. Not quite the Selección Especial of 2010 but still fantastic.
Strawberry, blackberry, alcohol soaked cherries and smooth
Strawberry, blackberry, alcohol soaked cherries and smooth
May 30th, 2021