The Viña Ardanza Reserva from the classic Rioja house La Rioja Alta is a blend of Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha from 30 year old vines in Fuenmayor and Cenicero. After fermentation, the tempranillo portion of the wine was aged in American oak barriques for 36 months. The Garnache (grenache) share was kept in 2 to 3 year old barrels for 36 months. After bottling, the wine matured for another four and a half years in the bottle before hitting the market. The nose is very fresh, with ripe black fruit, earthy notes, minerals, coffee, tobacco. In the mouth wonderfully soft, juicy, with smooth tannins and well-integrated fine acids. And then the aftertaste! It is long, vibrant and elegant. Great (store) wine (2032)

94/100 Parker & 95/100 Suckling