2000 Viña Ardanza, Reserva, Rioja

Of the three famous alliterative siblings at La Rioja Alta (the other two being Alberdi and Arana), Ardanza is traditionally the richest and most expressively fruity. This is due to the unusually high share of Garnacha in the blend (20%). The wine is aged in American oak for three years and then kept in bottle for a further two before release. With a brilliant deep cherry colour and a terracotta rim, the wine has notes of ripe red-berried fruit, backed up by hints of cinnamon, spice and vanillin. Balanced acidity and supple refined tannins complete the picture. Superb with a rack of lamb.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

Delicious and mature, this Rioja has a beautiful garnet colour and a brick-red rim. Savoury notes of leather, spice and toasty coconut come from the 3 years ageing in American oak. Excellent example of a traditional style Rioja.
(Don Shannon, FMW Sales - Tasted at the Reign in Spain Fine WineTasting - London shop - 27/01/2010)