2001 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Especial Rioja

“Incredible aromas of flowers such as violets and orange blossom with dark fruits and sweet fruit tea. Full body, very dense and powerful yet polished and refined. Dried fruits with praline and pie crust. Unique wine that everyone should try once, if possible. Very balanced.” (01/2018)

“A perfect example of what made Viña Ardanza such a favourite. It’s a very fine balance of fruit and spice, with plump fruit and a savoury finish. There’s the classic Ardanza elegance, threaded through with a note of mature oak. The Tempranillo had 36 months in oak; the Garnacha 30. Wonderfully bright; a brilliant example from one of Rioja’s greatest vintages. The first Reserva Especial since 1974 and 1964. (SE)” (02/2020)

“La Rioja Alta only bottles the Reserva Especial Viña Ardanza in exceptional vintages, with only three releases since 1950: 1964, 1973 and the latest, 2001. The 2001 Reserve Especial Viña Ardanza is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha sourced from Rioja Alta, aged for 36 months in American oak barrels. Displaying a garnet hue with a brick sheen, the tertiary aromas evoke wormwood and vermouth-like scents, complemented by notes of wax, leather and dates. On the palate, it is dry, silky and nimble, with an ethereal quality that lingers lightly. This delicate and complex old-school Rioja is a must-have for every collector's cellar. (GH)” (12/2023)

“Deep, rich nose with cooked blackberry and spice, and still very youthful freshness to the fruit. Tremendous vanilla cream on the finish. Long, subtle, elegant. (RH)” (05/2017)