In Bond Fine Wine. 2015 Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja, Rioja, Spain. Red spain - red in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (JS). Drinking window: 2021–2034. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
James Suckling (JS) — 96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 17/08/2021
A rich nose of raspberry, crushed strawberry, blueberry, coconut, cedar and sweet spice. It's medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Creamy, balanced and layered with vibrant, spicy character. Long and polished. Drink or hold.
Josh Raynolds (JR) — 94/100 · Vinous, 01/04/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2034
Deep magenta. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black raspberry, cherry cola, potpourri, tobacco and exotic spices, plus a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red and blue fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that firm up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with resonating florality, gently chewy tannins and lingering oak spice notes.
Tim Atkin MW (TA) — 94/100 · -, 01/04/2021 · Drink 2021-2027
One of two vintages of Ardanza that are currently on the market, the 2015 is a cuvee of Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero and 20% Garnacha from high altitude Tudelilla in the Rioja Oriental. Savoury and aromatic, with a slight animal note, this has raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, scented oak and sweet baking spices.