La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2012

Professional Ratings

• 95 James Suckling

  Traditional and beautiful in character with plum, balsamic, orange-peel and leather aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy texture and a long, intense aftertaste. Drink or hold.

• 94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Garnacha is an important component in the 2012 Viña Ardanza Reserva, where it represents 20% of the blend (the rest is, of course, Tempranillo). 2011 was a difficult vintage for Garnacha, so Viña Ardanza was not produced that year and they jumped from 2010, which had the mention "Selección Especial," to 2012, where it returns to the regular Reserva. The wine is a prototype of polished and aged Rioja with a ruby color with some orange and a developed nose with subtle aromas of decayed leaves, sweet spices and some cherries in liqueur even, quite complex and harmonious. The palate is velvety but rich, with resolved tannins and a fine chalky mouthfeel, sleek and elegant, terribly balanced. The flavors are pure and defined, and there is an overall sense of harmony that I like very much. Brilliant Ardanza!

• 94 Decanter

  Warming, nutty, complex Rioja with layers of fruit and a softness of dark cherry fruit on the palate. Has soft tannins and is elegantly poised, with a long, savory finish.

• 92 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: The 2012 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is generous and elevated on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows ripe red and black fruit aromas and flavors as well as hints of black olives. Pair it with a well-seasoned, roast leg of lamb. (Tasted: June 2, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
• 91 Wine Spectator
  This red shows an earthy character, with loamy earth, tar and tobacco notes framing dried cherry, licorice, orange peel and forest floor flavors. It's harmonious, with a spicy finish. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2026.