Rioja’s Rebel Sophisticate—Viña Ardanza Reserva 2017

Tasting Notes

In the glass, you're greeted with a deep garnet core edged in cherry hue, like your crush after dancing too long. Aromas of spiced red cherries, black pepper, liquorice, nutmeg, vanilla, coffee, and cinnamon swirl in—this is a sassy symphony of spice and fruit.
On the palate? Silky and round, yet fresh and balanced, gliding over sleek tannins with vanilla sweetness and leather-y warmth, finishing long with spice and balsamic whispers that'll haunt your tastebuds in the best way 

Meet the Winemaker

La Rioja Alta, the legendary Haro-based bodega since 1890, crafts Viña Ardanza as a love letter to classic Rioja swagger. They blend 80% Tempranillo (old-school vines in Rioja Alta) with 20% Garnacha (from Río Baja)—then age it separately in American oak (36 months for Tempranillo, 30 months for Garnacha) with classy manual rackings. The result? A Rioja that’s equal parts tradition and “I’m too cool to try hard” 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha

• Vintage: 2017

• Region: Rioja (Alta + Oriental), Spain

• Aging: Tempranillo 36 mo & Garnacha 30 mo in American oak, multiple rackings 

• ABV: 14.5% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 60–65 °F (15–18 °C) — think “cool room, warmer heart”

Critic Reviews

• James Suckling – 95 pts:

  “A more vibrant and fruitier expression… strawberries, mussels, warm spices and berries. Round and silky… long, nicely saline finish… creaminess works really well.”

• Tim Atkin, MW – 94 pts:
  Tangy, savoury, layered—leather, tobacco leaf, wild strawberry, red cherry, with a vanilla kiss. Aging suggestion: 2024–2030 

• Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) – 94 pts:
  Ripe, polished, ready-to-drink elegance—medium-bodied, sleek tannins, notes of clove, pepper, liquorice, ink, cherries in liqueur. Drink 2024–2034 

• Vinous – 93 pts:
  Rich, harmonious Rioja—black fruit, earth, cedar, vanilla. Juicy texture, polished tannins, bold, lingering finish. Drink 2024–2035 

• Wine Spectator – 92 pts:
  Baked cherry, raspberry ganache, warm fig, loamy earth, leather, bay leaf, vanilla, red licorice, orange-zest acidity. Drink now–2032 

Food Pairings

• Roast lamb (because Rioja lives to meet meat)

• Aged manchego or blue cheese (tannin-softening magic)

• Spiced chorizo or barbecue ribs (flavor wrestle & win)

• Beef stew or game birds in rich sauces—tannins meet their match

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you're done with one-note reds. This baby marries old-world Rioja soul with sinuous modern confidence—tight enough to impress your friends, lush enough to knock their socks off. It’s velvet meets spice, tradition meets swagger. In short: a timeless showstopper with a pulse.

Grab your Viña Ardanza Reserva 2017. Own a classic that’s not just served, but felt.