Medium-high intensity, garnet–red with a cherry rim. The nose stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries, redcurrants, and ripe strawberries assembled with notes of black pepper, sweet liquorice, nutmeg, coffee, mocha, and cinnamon. Intense and well-balanced in the mouth, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a good aftertaste, where sweet red fruit and balsamic notes give it a broad ending.
Pair with roasted lamb, red meats, barbecues, large game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Published November 2, 2020 - Rated 95:
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.
Wine Spectator Review - Issue Apr 30, 2021 - Rated 91:
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. 11,000 cases imported. — TM
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Issue 30th Oct 2020 - Rated 94:
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! They produced no less than 600,000 bottles of this wine, which is remarkable. It has been in bottle since March 2016, so it's very approachable but should also age nicely in bottle. Drink or keep. - Luis Gutiérrez
