La Rioja Alta is but a stone’s throw from my other favorite Rioja producer, Lopez de Heredia. The pedigree of the 2005 Reserva Viña Ardanza is evidenced by layered, complex aromatics—leather, terracotta roof tiles, plums and sun-baked figs, Madagascar vanilla bean and a lofty top note of char. In the mouth, it’s medium bodied, but no less intense, and varied, with red cherries giving way to black peppercorn and green notes of dill, celeriac and dried rosemary. Perhaps even dark chocolate shavings. 375 ml
9.2 Points