PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Viña Ardanza Reserva 2017 delivers a beautifully balanced Rioja that marries classic structure with inviting fruit and polished oak. It offers both immediate charm and promising cellar potential—an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a fine Rioja Reserva.
This wine comes from the Rioja Alta region in Spain and is crafted by Bodegas La Rioja Alta. The 2017 bottle is composed of approximately 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, drawn from mature vineyards across the estate’s holdings. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by ageing in American oak barrels—approximately 36 months for the Tempranillo component, 30 months for the Garnacha. The oak gives structure and depth, while the sunny 2017 vintage helps bring ripeness and polished tannins to the finished wine.
Reviewer Luis Gutiérrez awarded the wine 94 points, noting the wine is “ripe and aromatic… medium-bodied with sleek tannins and expressive aromas of cloves, pepper, licorice and cherries in liqueur.”
Tasting expert James Suckling scored it 95 points and described it as “a more vibrant and fruitier expression of Ardanza this year with strawberries, berries, warm spices; round and silky on the palate with a long, nicely saline finish.”
Trade commentary remarked: “Bright garnet colour with spicy, balsamic and ripe fruit notes; very polished structure and poised for both now and further ageing.”
Nose: Bright garnet hue; aromas of cherry liqueur, ripe black berries, nutmeg, black pepper, licorice and softly toasted vanilla from oak.
Palate: Medium body with dynamic fruit—raspberry, black cherry—balanced by cedar, tobacco leaf, fine-grained tannins and lively acidity.
Finish: Long and mineral-tinged; the fruit fades into subtle orange-berry peel, balsamic lift and gentle oak spice.
| ABV / Proof | Origin / Region | Blend / Grape Varieties | Ageing / Maturation | Aromas & Flavors | Style / Identity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~14.5% ABV | Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain | ~80% Tempranillo • ~20% Garnacha | ~36 months in American oak (Tempranillo) / ~30 months (Garnacha) | Ripe cherry, black berry, clove, black pepper, licorice | Classic Rioja Reserva; elegant, age-worthy and balanced |
"2017 was not an easy harvest, but it produced some beautiful and classical wines, like the 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva, which shows a little more advancement and polish and is ready to drink. It was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from their vineyard La Pedriza in Tudelilla. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in American oak barrels, 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 for the Garnacha (that was harvested 15 days later), with six rackings. It's ripe and aromatic, tertiary, with 14.5% alcohol and mellow acidity, a medium-bodied palate and sleek tannins. It has a pungent note of clove and pepper, some licorice and ink and the cherries in liqueur from the Garnacha. An updated classical Ardanza." Robert Parker 94 Points
"Baked cherry, raspberry ganache and warm fig flavors are ripe and expressive, with a pleasing counterpoint and added detail from rich notes of loamy earth and leather, plus accents of bay leaf, vanilla and red licorice. There's a supple generosity on the palate, trimmed nicely by fine-grained tannins and a tang of orange peel acidity. Tempranillo and Garnacha." Wine Spectator 92 Points
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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