Vina Ardanza Reserva Seleccion Especial 2012

Lobenberg: Die Reserva stammt aus dem 30 Jahre alten Anwesen Vina Ardanza im Herzen der Rioja Alta. Die Reife erfolgte 36 Monate in amerikanischen Eichenholzfässern, bevor die Reife in der Flasche fortgesetzt wurde. Die Reserva ist schön anzusehen: Mittleres Kirschrot mit leichten Orangetönen am Rand. Die Nase umgibt ein intensiver Duft von wilden Beeren, ein Hauch von Kokos, Zimt, Tabak und Leder. Sehr komplex. Wahnsinns-Struktur am Gaumen mit seidigen Tanninen. Sehr langlebig. 94-95/100

-- Suckling: 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. 95/1100

-- Parker: 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. 94/100