3/6, good cork. Decanted and immediately served. Medium/deep ruby/garnet core, pale rim. Nose shows sweet red and black fruit, quite black-toned actually, vanilla, spice, plus some smoke and cedar with time in glass. Medium bodied, sweet red and black fruit on initial entry, round, soft tannins, cedar, some spice and savour, lovely vibrant acids carry a good length finish with a note of leather and just a touch of sandiness right at the tail end. Excellent though, drinking very nicely though there’s no hurry.
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Great 20 years of maturity. Balanced fruit and tobacco with some spice. After a 4 hour decanting the acid and tannins are there for support. Try a 5-6 hour decanting next.
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Just a lovely Ardanza Reserva , it still needs time to open up..splash decanted for 4 hours before it opened up. Lots or cherry and cedar and herbs on the nose , just a nice balance between the fruit and melded oak notes...fine tannins are seamlessly integrated bright acidity gives a nice lift to the wine...good length and good Juice. It's ready to go but if you do open soon no pop'n pour...will last easily another 5 years.
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Needs a decant. Baked cherry, spices, rhubarb, cranberry, herbs, earth and graphite. Nose includes red fruits, flowers, tomato plant. Smooth texture, tannins resolved. Delicious now no need to wait. Has a few years left.
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Punky cork requiring Durand to open. Rhubarb nose. Appearance fine but a struggle to drink. Dried out, with no appealing quality primary, secondary, or tertiary. Storage maybe suboptimal given stronger competitors for the coolest and darkest spots. Three more remaining, all acquired and handled identically to this one. So judgment reserved until the next specimen comes to bat.
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Lovely nose of baked black cherries, charred wood, roasting meat and grilled herb switches. Baking spices and pepper. Bay leaf. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate. The finish has a tug of gritty tannin and there's bright acidity. Quite lovely and mature! Drink now-2026+ 93
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From a magnum. This is in a wonderful place, still some sappy cherry fruit, exotic spice, leather and cedarwood. So much going on, this is wonderful to sip on its own or enjoy with roast lamb. Probably one of the best value for quality in the world!?
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Even better than the last bottle I had. Appears to be in its prime -- it would be shocking if this wine were to get even better. QPR is just remarkable. Unlike my last bottle, the cork on this was perfect. So was the fruit, the length, the balance and the finish. So much going on in this ca. $30 wine. Wonderful complement to some great grilled prime strip steaks.
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One of my absolute favourites - a gorgeous aged Rioja from one of the famous Rioja Bodegas and it’s a treat.
Aromas of oak, vanilla, leather and cherry with a hint of smoke
Taste: Rioja perfection. Evolves beautifully with air time, initially wood and oak, moving into vanilla and cigar box before the red fruit erupts like a dance on the tongue. Chocolate and pepper background notes throughout the entire development.
Perfection. Beautiful. Lovely wine.
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From a bottle (sound cork). Textbook mature rioja, loads going on, very complete and simply gorgeous with roast shoulder of lamb. Perfect now but no great rush.
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From 75cl, inferior cork got destroyed on extraction, decanted 1 hour. Musty , volatile-oaky smell got less offensive as the wine rose to room temperature (Tondonia fetishists might prefer to cool it right down again to get that fungal fix). Lush, plush, plummy fruit on the entry and mid-palate, a lot less attractive than the bright redcurrant/cranberry I remember from the 2001 and hope for from the 2010. Nice velvety texture. No hurry, at least: not if your bottles turn out to have better corks in them than mine did. 88-89P
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Ruby colored and garnet edging. Dark nose of burnt caramel, plums, black cherry, mushrooms and cloves. A touch of animal fur as well. The palate was bright with a basket of red fruits, citrus overtones and spiciness. Very well structured - round with silty tannins on the front tongue and gums. Delicious.
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From Coravin. Suspected corked (wet cardboard). On the off chance that some of the musty off-putting aromas will blow away, we left it to breath some more and after nearly two hours poured the two glasses down the drain. I am wondering if I should take the opportunity to ditch the Coravin needle after likely contact with TCA-tainted wine (any thoughts?).
From 75cl, good cork, decanted 1 hour. Sharp volatile american oak smell with some cellar mould—perhaps a longer decant might have helped. Sour, strongly oaky-acid entry; nice bright red-fruited midpalate as expected. if this wasn't traditional Rioja I might suspect a minor cork fault, but perhaps this is just my "Tondonia allergy" speaking. 88-89P?
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Drinking beautifully, lush and savoury on the palette with a complex red fruit core with hints of vanilla, spice and leather. Smooth and rounded, no awkwardness and no need to wait any longer with these...short decant of 30 minutes and this was absolutely singing. But alas, another broken cork...what gives Ardanza??
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A blend of Tempranillo (80%) form 30-yo vines and Garnacha (20%) from old vineyards planted at high altitudes in La Rioja Baja. Fermented and macerated in stainless steel, aged in stainless steel tanks until April 2005. The Tempranillo wines were aged for 36 months in American oak barriques averaging 4 years old and the Garnacha wines were aged for 30 months in 2nd and 3rd use American oak barrels. Blended and bottled in December 2008. 13,6% alcohol, 5,9 g/l acidity, pH 3,62 and 0,81 g/l VA.
Moderately translucent, dark cherry-red color. Sweet-toned, somewhat restrained and quite nuanced nose with reticent aromas of wizened figs and sweet black cherries, some dried aromatic herbs, a little bit of vanilla oak, light oxidative nuances of savory meatiness, a hint of woody oak and a touch of old leather. The wine is dry, firm and moderately full-bodied on the palate with quite powerful flavors of dark plums and sour cherries, some vanilla oak, a little bit of fragrant new leather, light ferrous notes of blood, spicy hints of dried dill and peppery spice and a sweeter touch of ripe red-toned fruit. The overall feel is pretty tightly-knit and structure-driven with the high acidity and ample tannins that at first feel quite ripe and gentle, but the start to pile up on the gums quite quickly, turning the wine relatively stern and grippy. The finish is long, dry and gently bitter with a little bit of alcohol warmth and quite bold flavors of ripe dark plums, sour cherry bitterness, some tart lingonberries, a little bit of vanilla oak and savory wood spice, light leathery notes, a hint of dried dill and a touch of stony minerality.
A still very firm, structured and relatively tightly-knit vintage of Ardanza. The overall feel here seems a bit reticent compared to the bottle I had a few years ago (June 2017), so the wine might be now in some sort of closed phase. The tannins also seemed to have resolved a little bit, but not much - the overall impression is still quite firm and moderately grippy. Although the wine is drinking pretty nicely right now, I really can't understand for the life of me how somebody could think this is an "old" or "fully mature" Rioja, since the wine is still very similar to a freshly released vintage of Ardanza and is yet to show very little if any evolved qualities - in my books this wine is still brimming with potential for future development and is still decades away from its peak. A wine like this ages on a geological time scale and requires tons of age before it starts to actually exhibit any mature qualities. Still an impressive vintage of Ardanza and with the 2007 vintage this was my favorite in our mini-vertical of Ardanza 2004-2008. A fine wine that can be left in a cellar for ages.
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Pop and pour (little sediment). Took a few minutes to open up. Excellent textbook Rioja that is reaching maturity. No sign of decline but probably won't get much better.
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Very nice, love when it comes together. Primary flavors hung around from the jump through a pretty long finish. The balance and complexity come immediately to mind as the stand out but the pronounced aromas linger in my brain from two weeks earlier. Didn’t have to get glass past check to start smell just cherry, red plum and then black fruits, dried fruits, some slightly baked like pie, fig herbs leather, char,spice clove. In a perfect world it would be little more red and blue fruit and a touch less plum but that’s just me. It was wonderful and kept wanting more, consumed with ribeye, sweet potato chorizo mix and quinoa then more or it alone for dessert. Still has some years left but don’t think it is getting any better. 5/6/2021
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In a really good place right now. Well balanced and integrated rounded tannins with decent acidity. Leather, cherry, oaky vanilla, herbs, cola, dark chocolate, earthy. Really nice depth and complexity. Medium-long finish. Drink now.
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This wine is shining! Good effort, well developed tertiar leathery flavors with long lasting finish. Still vivid in all regards. Enough acid to last at least some years. Worth it!
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Bottle breathe: Opened at noon, poured out 250ml into a small 250ml sized bottle and let both bottle stand.
At 17:30 this is now drinking beautifully.
Nose: leather, spices and spices and spices, earthy, vanilla, red fruit Palate: medium bodied, sour cherry, med length.
At 19:30 now also getting orange peel, and longer length. Put it back in the fridge for a short time to get it down to the right temp. Perfect. Seems 7 hours of bottle breathe did the trick.
Great wine, definitely needed the airing to help it express itself.
Really wasted my earlier bottles when decanting in decanter just doesn’t yield the same results - it was still good vanilla and fruit but certainty did not get the wow factor of spices and the complexity.
Agree with the most recent review. Fully mature with pronounced leathery notes with some spice and residual sweet red fruit. A little thin on the mid palate although tannins still in evidence with a little grip to round out mouthfeel. Slightly woody on the finish but length is good. Great value as always..
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My notes are impressionistic. While the fruit was healthy, but subdued, this exhibited a fair amount of lively acidity and pleasant leathery notes. Not quite as complex as I expected or hoped... and exhibiting a strong oak component which somehow worked with this robust, intense, yet medium-bodied wine.
I loved the 2001, which I feel drank much differently and more harmoniously - and I feel this has largely informed my impressions of the 04.
Still, enjoyable and exemplary of the style.
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Bought this 6 years ago (Mag) and what a good buy. It was delicious with the Christmas Turkey. Everything an old school Rioja should be. I have no more of 2004 but if you have any I would drink now if in 75cl or over next 2 years if in mag.
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Consistently delicious wine. Earthy cherries and dark red fruits with notes of tobacco and mushroom. Great acidity makes this wine clean and light across the profile without an overly weighty mid-palate that this fruit could express.
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If you have to join some family business, most of them wine-analphabets, you have to manage a whole evening, food is fine, so what to do? There is only one solution: BYO! Best from Mag! So pnp this bottle, accidentally thought I took a 2001, but now it is this bottle, very intense fragrance, ripe, delicious fruit, some balsamic tones, very good grip right from the start, as always Rioja is great to pair food, the supporting acid, the spice, needs some time to blossom in the open bottle, delicate fruit flow, elegance all the way, lingering finish, and the best for me, so young appearance still, fine wine and Mag(+) bottle size is always the very best choice! Enjoy from now on with a decent decant, but can easily be hold another decade+, **(*-****), around 91,92(+) potential
Bad cork, but drinking just fine. Good balance and plenty of life ahead. The Ardanza from 2004 has offered very good quality for the price. I don't think the '04 is quite at the level of the '01, which was a ridiculously good wine at or anywhere near its price point.
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Beautifully integrated wine, cherries and dark red fruits and earthy notes, possibly licorice and herbs. Great acidity and mouth filling, soft tannins, with a long finish. Paired with simply grilled lamb which really accented the flavors.
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PNP and paired with grilled salmon (nice pairing).
Orange / red color - showing age but not a lot of sediment. Orange rind, sweet tobacco, sweet cherry, and red currants on nose - palate similar. Great mixture of savory and sweet. Medium body, medium+ acidity, integrated tannins and very long finish. Excellent. 92-93
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First of six. Case bought at the winery eight years ago. After so many mediocre Rioja wines, I already wanted to gather again with a bottle of Ardanza that seemed to be rescued from the past. A wine that is in its real place from the beginning with that crystalline crimson colour with orange edges. On the nose it is spectacular, filling the dining room completely with aromas of flesh, sandalwood, leather, blood orange peel, tobacco leaf, intermingled sweet and spicy spices, ... truly inspiring. Coconut and dill are missing in action. Velvety on the palate with a perfect balance between its medium body structure and a vivid acidity. Medium persistence and a delicious aftertaste. All Rioja is about. Extraordinary. Definitely 2004 is going to be one of my favorite vintages for Ardanza ever. I'll treasure the rest of the bottles under seven seals.
Primera de una caja de seis comprada en la bodega hace ocho años. Después de tantos vinos mediocres de rioja ya tenía ganas de reencontrarme con una botella de Ardanza que pareciera rescatada del pasado. Un vino que está en su sitio desde un comienzo con ese cristalino color carmesí con ribetes anaranjados. En nariz es espectacular, inhundando completamente el comedor con aromas a carne fresca, sándalo, cuero, piel de naranjas sanguinas, hoja de tabaco, especias dulces y picantes entremezcladas, ... realmente inspirador. El coco y el eneldo han desaparecido en combate. Aterciopelado al paladar con un perfecto equilibrio entre su estructura de cuerpo medio y una vívida acidez. Persistencia media y delicioso retrogusto. Justo de lo que trata un Rioja. Extraordinaria. Definitivamente 2004 va a ser una de mis añadas favoritas para Ardanza. Atesoraré el resto de botellas bajo siete llaves.
Dark red colour not admitting its age. Forward dark red fruit with herbal notes in the background drifting into earthy notes. Great balance on the palate; dark fruit flavours and intensity offset by Burgundy like sour cherry acidity and weightlessness. What is there not to like? Drinks well now but has years to evolve.
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From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour. Rich, much darker than I remembered, or my previous TNs suggest. Can this really be the same wine? There seems to be more ripe, juicy Garnacha and less astringent old-oak treated Tempranillo than expected, in Lopez de Heredia terms this would definitely be Cubillo and not Tondonia. But perhaps this is all "bottle variation" (aka what happens when the same wine is put in bottles closed with corks of wildly inconsistent quality and left for well over a decade to see what happens...) This bottle survived the cork lottery very well and was at or perhaps just over peak maturity this evening. 89-90P
Avons dégusté la dernière bouteille, du millésime 2004, de ce vin d'exception, avec un magret de canard assorti d'un risotto aux champignons ... C'était magique ! ...
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Dark fruit and leather with a hint of tart dried cherry (citrus?) finish. Another reviewer commented correctly that the wine is vibrant. Drinking well.
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Mon coup de coeur des derniers mois ... Un vin dense et légèrement briqué ... Beaucoup de fruits noirs et un peu de noix de coco ... Une grande finale !
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The wine took a few hours to open up but had red fruits, a noticeable spiciness with higher acidity, some leathery notes, subtle orange rinds with lots of minerals. This is a great bottle that has held up well.
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From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour, best after 2 hours. As 50% of my bottles of this wine thus far have had brittle, decaying or completely ruined corks, it's a relief to open one in prime condition. Lighter than the Tondonia Reserva 2001 tasted yesterday, more acidic, brighter red-fruited zing, more resonant, vibrant and palate-cleansing. In this condition no hurry and a bargain. But the fact that LRA tolerates such a high cork failure rate is a real problem, not to mention a waste of good wine. 91P
Bricking garnet color. Aromas of dark and dark red fruits, mushroom, earth, black tea, cedar, licorice, and graphite. Medium body and acid, long finish, and flavors of sour cherry, black cherry, blueberry, orange peel, lemon, spice, and minerals. This is great tonight with carnitas.
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2/6, excellent cork. Decanted 1.5 hours, #700,376. Medium/deep ruby/garnet, pale rim. Nose is aromatic, fresh, mainly red fruited (strawberry), vanilla, coconut, dill. Medium bodied, creamy red fruit, vanilla, spice, quite linear with very fine tannins, vibrant acidity and a good length finish. Correct if not all that exciting on this occasion.
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Rosemary. I swear I (think I) tasted rosemary this time. Brilliant. Why don’t we get more rosemary in wine? Brilliant Ardanza as ever. And with frazzles it tastes of rosemary!
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1st of 2 for me. Thinking this may be a little past prime, as the fruit seems a little faded, but it's really nice for my palate and the nose is fantastic. Medium (+) garnet color, no bricking. Aromas of dark and dark red fruits, flowers, earth, graphite, cedar, anise, dry spice drawer, and wet stone. Medium body and finish, medium (+) acid, and flavors of dark and dark red fruits, sour cherry, lemon, iron, and minerals. I'm quite enjoying this. 92+
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Paired with bison Babette, supposedly the '04 was a very good year in Rioja, and this presumably helped this wine land #22 on the WS Top 100 in 2013 (which is when I picked up a bunch of these). Drinking very nicely, though noticeably an older wine at this point, some dustiness on the nose upon opening (and a broken cork...argh). Cherry, figs, and cedar notes on the nose. Medium weight and finish, tannins super soft now but still a relatively high acidity that lingers quite long on the palette. Tastes like eating a mixed bowl of sweet and sour cherries paired with espresso coffee and a bit of tobacco. Not particularly heavy but the acidity made it super food friendly.
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Robe cerise évoluée. Vin avec une belle complexité sur les fruits noirs, terre, boisé, réglisse et le tabac. Vin assez lourd qui s’apprête bien avec les viandes. Très bon en ce moment, mais peut vieillir encore quelques années.
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Excellent et à point! Sur la boite à épices, les cerises séchés, les fleurs séchés, en bouche le boisé est complètement digéré, le tout est dirigé par une belle acidité, sur des tanins fondus et lisses. Belle longueur qui s'étire en pallier. 90-91 pts.
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Ce vin a été consommé en même temps qu'un El Vinculo reserva 2005. Les deux se ressemblent beaucoup. Or, vina Ardanza est peut-être un peut moins intense. Mais c'est pratiquement semblable. On retrouve toutes les particularités d'un vin espagnol tipique. Excellent.
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On the nose, dark fruits and forest floor and leaf mold. On the palate, it enters with a delicious, smooth, medium mouthfeel. On the palate, dark fruits predominate with just the barest hint of mocha. Medium to long finish. Delicious with tortellini and fried chicken over sauteed spinach, with drizzled pesto. And garlic toast. We love good tempranillo!
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Wet cedar and moldy nose. Uh oh. Light to medium bodied, soft dry tannins, sage, white pepper, cherries that keep building throughout the palate, and a short to medium finish. No longer great, but still good despite the nose.
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Beautiful, flowery bouquet of sweet Malt, Caramel, earthy tones and a sour cherry note. Also mature notes of tobacco and leather, which integrate perfectly. Beautifully elegant and balanced on the palate, wonderfully concise through the typically classic long barrel extension without Severity. Carrying acid, supple tanin, a dream rioja. Great Winemaker, traditional style. Goes over to a final stage of maturity. Drink! It won‘t improve anymore.
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If honest a tad disappointed with this, especially after drinking exactly the same wine in Magnum a year ago and loving it. Went well with Xmas day Turkey but was initially quite muddled or muddied in taste, maybe even a tiny bit sharp/tart - but not in a tannic way. Next day I was hoping it would have mellowed but actually had become both very jammy and slightly sharper. Maybe slightly corked?
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Nose is all traditional dusty barnyard, leather, blackberry playing with cherry. But oak and acid dominate the palate, with these plus unpleasant alcoholic heat on the finish. Maybe just in a troubled adolescent phase today. Will try again in 2+ years. For now, no better than 87 and no grounds for projection of future improvement.
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From 75cl, inferior spongey cork disintegrated into a dozen pieces during extraction, most of them falling into the bottle. My advice: Don't list this wine if you are running a restaurant... The wine was OK, though: Initially crudely over-USA-oaked, after an hour in the decanter it gradually settled down and showed as a ripe, seriously-oaked, mature old-school Rioja Alta should. Strong acidity, slightly darker fruit, more friendly and powerful than LdH Tondonia (perhaps nearer to Bosconia) definitely more old school than Muga Reserva. Oh, did I mention the American oak? 88-89P
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Nach wie vor ein grandioser Wein. Zunächst etwas verhalten, entwickelt er sich zu einem sehr großem Wein. In der Nase fruchtig nach Kirsche. Im Mund harmonisch eingebundene Tannine, Frucht nach Kirsche, etwas Heidelbeere. Am Gaumen etwas Cassis, schöner Abgang.
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This bottle was excellent. Polished and elegant as a 14 year old wine with plenty of backbone should be, but still fruit forward with blackberry and vanilla. Wish I had more of this vintage, last of 04 but I still have a few 07s and maybe some 05s.
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Revisiting this wine about 5 years after I last tasted and wrote about it, in reviewing my notes I'm surprised to find I could write an almost identical comment. It's superb. If anything, the minerality is only heightened by virtue of the very slight diminishing of the fruit. Very slight. The wine has hardly moved at all.
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If you were to look up the dictionary definition of 'Perfect drinking window' circa 2018, I can only assume there would be no need for words, just a picture of this bottle.
The balance between sweet, slightly fading dark (with a touch of red) fruits, together with a razor's-edge balance with tobacco, vanilla-tinged wood elements and just a touch of liquorice is a joy to behold.
This vintage has been wonderful to drink from about a decade of age onwards, and yet it shows no signs of slowing down - I'm not sure it'll ever quite beat the 2001, but it pushes it very close, and has years and years left in the tank to further evolve. (My only quiet lament might be that they probably don't make 'em like this anymore).
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We opened this bottle prompted by some of the reviewers saying the wine is heading over the hill. We did not think so at all - while we enjoyed it, the wine still felt quite young so we’ll definitely wait a few more years before getting more from storage.
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From magnum. Tasted next to the 2001 Reserva Especial and 2005 Reserva. Quite open and layered on the nose - dark fruit, vanilla, spices, leather, floral notes and herbs. Very pretty and expressive. On the palate good fruit, fresh and vibrant, well balanced with soft tannic grip and good length. Drink or keep. 91-93
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Commence à se placer. Le boisé est un peu plus adouci et le fruit est bien présent (cerises et prunes). Une belle acidité, des tannins charnus et une finale assez longue mais un brin asséchante. Encore quelques années!
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Reticent nose. Silky smooth on the palate. Restrained red fruit with pleasing herbal dill tones. Reservas typically show less oak than the Gran Reservas - a big plus. Drinking beautifully. An excellent value.
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Dill, coconut, mint, eucalyptus, quite vibrant fruit of both red and dark varieties. Elegant and plain tasty. A little short, perhaps, but a very pleasant wine.
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Much deeper, darker coloured wine of the two, the aromas are more towards leather, cedar and other smells related to the wood regimen - I would say somewhere around liquorice-with-vanilla.
On the palate, the fruit is also dialled down compared to the 2005, with a wonderful umami richness going on, with pipe tobacco and leather principle amongst them.
Slightly lower acid, but slightly higher body with a little more stuffing and mid-palate, but not quite as sophisticated as the 2005 - interesting to see two such good but completely contrasting styles in two fabulous back-to-back vintages.
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Very young, very primary but still recognizably Rioja in character. The dilly American oak is still quite pronounced, but there's good acidity and an abundance of fruit to carry it forward for another 5-10 years at least.
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1/6. Decanted 1/2 hour. Very good cork. Medium/deep garnet core, pale garnet rim. Nose shows youthful, dark fruit - blackcurrant, vanilla, touch of smoke and spice. Medium/full bodied, quite rich red and black berry fruit, vanilla, just a touch of savour - all offset by lovely, vibrant acids - very soft tannins and an extended harmonious finish. This is still youthful and, as is customary for Ardanza (the 1989 was recently in excellent shape still), will age well.
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Agree with RichardP on taste profile and CosmicDude on timing. I don’t think it will improve, but it will last awhile. Still some pretty good dill on the palate and a wee bit of strength. A very nice wine, but not classic. Drink it up.
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Light strawberry and eucalyptus on the nose. On the palate, bright cherry, strawberry, and notes of tobacco and cedar on the medium finish, with light tannins and strong acidity. This is classic Rioja with several good years in it yet. Excellent value at just under $30.
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Légèrement tuilé. Belles notes tertiaires animales (cuir) et d'épices avec un beau fruit. Bel équilibre et longueur. Si il y a qlq chose à redire c'est une certainement minceur et chaleur. Pourquoi attendre plus...
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Short decant. Classy wine opened and smoothed out over the course of dinner. Cherry, spice and a touch of dill on the nose. Pretty cherry, tobacco, spices and earth on the palate. Medium bodied - mature wine in a good place. 91 points
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From magnum - this was well in its prime with strong flavours of cherries and tobacco leaves. Good level of acidity and tannins still with a kick. Wonderful
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Nice, very young tasting, young fruit, more astringent than the 2001, shorter on the finish, good, but clearly not as good as the 2001 with it's tangy long finish. Blind at Monica's.
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First sip made me wonder if opened this too late, but a few minutes later, wow! This wine was delicious with ripe plum and cherries along with just a touch of earth and tobacco. Sorry this was my last bottle!
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Coravain'd a glass to drink while making dinner from my last bottle. Love this wine even though it is past its prime. Cherries, tobacco dominate with wood on the nose.
The wine is drinking fabulously well! We opened the bottle and drank through the timeline for it to "open" (about 30 minutes). A lot of very neat barn door, cedar and some "funk" on the nose. These dissipated quickly. Cedar, tobacco and lively fruits formed the flavor profile on the palate. There was a nice acidity on the back palate. Some of the earlier tasting notes reflect a young wine that is now in full stride.
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Much better than my previous bottle a couple of weeks ago. Drinking just fine with a pnp this time. This wine appears to have some bottle variation and this one had none of the aged signs of my previous bottle.
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A quieter wine than the 2005. Has aromas of raspberries, vanilla, cloves, strawberries, cherries and spice. Its medium bodied palate yet broadly shouldered and elegant stylish palate has a mesh of nicely layered vanillary blue and red fruits with decent acidity. Ends longish. Improves to a 91 on day two. Needs two to three hours aeration. 13.5%. Had with a pork and chorizo gulasch. This went perfectly with the dish but could have been even tangier.
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Like a comfortable old pair of slippers, this vintage of Ardanza has relaxed from it's fairly brutish youthful phase, and is now nicely aged classic Reserva Rioja.
Has a darker colour, and a darker-fruit profile than other vintages, with a touch of liquorice and plenty of VA. Not quite as wow as bottles from 12 months ago (although a caveat being they were from different suppliers, so draw your own conclusions.), but still tremendous drinking pleasure and a bargain to boot.
I think this will easily be outlived by the 2005, it has the stuffing but not quite the acidity, but it's been a pleasure having it for company this past half-decade and will probably continue to be so for a good few years yet.
3 years ago was my last bottle of this great wine at which point I decided to sit on the rest for a while to see how it may develop based on its expected life trajectory. I'm hoping it just this bottle but I fear based on other reviews that this particular vintage has seen its best days. I will be drinking what I have left fairly soon.
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red colour, brick on the rim This smells much older than it should - VA and a touch of varnish LIght body, slightly vinegary, no fruit, tannins a little drying at the end, nice finish though This might come round in the glass but think this is a bad bottle - TCA perhaps though doesn't smell like it.
Reading everyone else's reviews it seems that I'm not alone in finding this wine disappointing. Amazing how it has tailed off since 2013 when it was lovely
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Deep ruby color. There’s a core of black and red cherries and plums on the nose, along with lots of smoke (charcoal, tobacco, roasted cedar, grilled herbs), leather, rose potpourri, lots going on. Pure, vibrant palate with sturdy tannins, but not harsh, moderating acidity. Black and red cherries, crunchy but also slightly roasted notes to the fruit. Laced with so much complex non-fruit elements (tree bark, cigar lounge, leather jacket, rose potpourri, vanilla bean, coffee). Deep mineral tones as well. This has 10+ years of development, and is still quite young, but its quality still shows now.
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Prior bottle was 10 months ago and while it has evolved slightly, my notes were generally consistent. Red cherry, with some hints of black cherry along with earth and oak notes on the nose. Medium bodied (13.5% ABV) and remains very round and open, without the power or depth that I associate with Rioja. Red cherry upfront has softened a bit (not quite as bright), followed by red berry and tart red cherry. Integrated, fine-grained tannins mark the finish along with vanilla, earth and leather. Overall, felt like the wine had softened and integrated a bit more, but was otherwise unchanged. Should drink well over the next few years, but additional time isn't going to result in major positive evolution.
Like many, I think I was expecting a bit more given the critics excitement over this wine. Sure, it shows good fruit-structure balance and is drinking quite well, but I didn't find anything to support the massive accolades it received from some. It didn't have the complexity or depth in my view to justify the high praise it received. But that's not to take anything away from an enjoyable, affordable wine of high quality, simply not the stellar quality we may have been lead to believe.
It seems the cork made no difference as the second bottle was a lot of the same. It starts off fine but fades really quick. It was disappointing with all of the great critics reviews but I guess it just is past it's peak.
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May have been corked as it was dry and came apart. The wine started off with good fruit, earth and spice but ended with just tannic juice. I will try another one and hope for better results.
Nice nose, smooth but a little short on the finish. The bottle disappeared very quickly. Great qpr, in my opinion. Would buy again. Nice wine to have on hand, easy drinking, doesn't need much decant and pretty much everyone like it
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This showed nicely. It pours a bright, vibrant red with moderate bricking. The nose is subdued, eventually showing mild notes of red cherry, strawberry, coconut sunscreen, earth, orange peel, and vanilla. The palate features medium minus tannin, and elevated acid with an orange peel edge to it, keeping this so fresh and food friendly. Was a fantastic pairing with chorizo and octopus ragout.
Coravined a glass. Fully matured with little air needed. Oak based charming floral scent. Similar profile on the palate. Long finish with mouth coating smooth tannins. The only knock is that acidity seems to be dominant in the back of the palate. But it is a drink so easy to like with or without food, especially considering the reasonable price.
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From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 90 minutes. Massive vanilla oak on nose and entry; rich but still elegant dark red fruit with much lower mid-palate acidity than expected, so for my palate it didn't quite dance (or find a satisfying balance with the strong oak aromatics). Served at 22C room temperature, would surely have been in better balance at 17-18C. Fully mature now, but should keep well for 4-5 years. 90P
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Surprisingly youthful appearance: very dark and even slightly purple cherry color that allows only the slightest amount of light shine through. Quite youthful and somewhat oaky yet very complex and attractive nose of peppery spice, sweet red cherry, some sweet toasted oak, a little bit of vanilla, a perfumed hint of orchard flowers and a touch of dill. Noticeably tightly-knit, textural and concentrated on the palate with extracted flavors of sweet, ripe cherry-driven fruit, vanilla oak, peppery spice, some plummy dark fruit, a little bit of dill and a hint of mineral brightness. The structure here is quite impressive with moderately high and lively acidity and firm, grippy tannins. The finish is very long with a slightest hint of bitterness that offsets nicely the sweetness from the ripe fruit and vanilla oak. There are intense flavors of peppercorns, Christmas spices, vanilla, some strawberry jam, a little bit of dark plummy fruit, a hint of stony minerality and a touch of dill. The aftertaste is very slightly warm (13,5% alc) and rather grippy from the firm tannins.
A wonderful Ardanza that is still in dire need of cellar age; even at the age of 12 years the wine feels very youthful, almost primary. Compared to the Reserva Especial 2001, this wine felt less sweet and less oaky with more emphasis on the savory, textural flavors and impressive tannic structure. Most likely this wine won't take as much aging as some Ardanzas to integrate its vanilla oak with the fruit, but I'd let the wine age for at least 10-15 years more. A wonderful, classic example of the traditional, American oak-aged Rioja Reserva style.
PnP. Felt that it is at its peak. Oak integrated well. Detectable but not protruding. Red fruit with plenty of acidity to brighten it up. Medium finish.
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Another Saturday at Knightsbridge - mostly blind (Northbrook, IL): Tasted double blind. Easily identifiable as an old school Spanish wine. Red cherry, anise, dried flowers. Comes across in that slightly oxidative style I enjoy from wines like this, even if I thought it somewhat older than a 2004.
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Quite muddy at open. Show much more characters after 1 hour. Full noise with fruit, plummy and enjoyable. Medium body with nice finishing. Nice Rioja but just not my type.
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Oak could still integrate as dill dominates the nose, but quite aromatic with pleasant acidity. Nice red fruit core with some smoke on the back end. Very good and should get better.
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PnD 1/2 bottle let air for 2hrs. Consistent with previous note. Fresh complex and delicious. Holding up beautifully will keep my hands off my last two for at least a couple of years.
Last half of the bottle showed well on day two. Bodes well for holding on to these for a few more years.
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Now emerging as a classic. Barely old enough to show its promise of profundity. Jam-packed with every quality, big and bold yet refined, jut getting into secondaries. Will improve for 20 years and hold indefinitely. (92-94).
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From one of Rioja's great producers, this well-aged Reserva is traditional and profound yet also light and full of verve, effectively communicating the balance of Rioja viticulture, where even the old-fashioned can be, in a sense, progressive, and where even wine of this age can have so much life left in it. That said, it is indeed characteristically old Rioja, with barrel-aged Tempranillo notes of cherry, plum, coconut, baking spice and leather, as well a mild meaty-earthy funk and bold ferrous / crushed rock minerality. And it is indeed predictably more savoury than fruity, an unabashed counterpoint to more modern, more commercial Rioja, yet enlivened by a slashing acidity leading to still-firm tannins. Again, there's just so much life and structure, and so much further aging potential. And yet, for all that, the depth is lacking and the overall impact just isn't quite there. It's great wine, just not truly memorable other than as a representative of a more traditional Rioja style.
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Classic stone and mineral elements on the nose, even after a couple of hour decant there is not a lot of fruit on the nose. Med dark with clear edge. Smoke, tabacco and game on the mid palate. Somewhat tart on the finish with a lot of cherry. A food wine.
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I should have decanted but didn't. A bit rough out of the bottle but it started to settle down after 30 minutes. The prominent nose has plenty of fruit but is starting to show its age. The pallet has a bold acidity, black fruit and a respectable finish. Next time I will decant and do a more focused review. I withhold a rating but it would be a 90.
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From 75cl, dry cork, broke during extraction. Aromatic and taste profile exactly as noted on 25.06.2016; the wine in this bottle seemed much more expressive and enjoyable on day 2. On this basis, no hurry at all. 90P
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Getting time to rate this but still have most of a case left so just enjoying for now. Modest dill notes and perhaps a little more fruit forward than the LRA 2004. Still has time here but not the depth and character of the LRA. Medium finish. Great value.
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Red cherry, leather, wood and earthy notes on the nose. Medium bodied with a refined elegance about it rather than the tannic power that I'm used to with many Rioja wines. Bright red cherry upfront along with softer red berry intermixed and some tart red fruit notes in the background. Tannins are fine grained and well integrated. They show up as a background structuring note and then into and through the finish and were never drying or intrusive. Vanilla, earth and leather notes on the finish. This was a very pretty wine, but it didn't have quite the depth or complexity I was hoping for given the professional reviews. It is drinking very well at present and should stay at this level for several more years and does represent excellent QPR if you enjoy this style of Rioja.
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A fruitier, slightly less austere interpretation than the Tondonia. Lovely expressive nose with a blast of cherry and blackcurrant and vanilla. Refreshing and mouthwatering acidity. The lack of tannins compared to the Tondonia was noticeable. Peaking right now, with plenty left in the tank.
I have a preference for the style of Ardanza, but then perhaps from a sense of romantic nostalgia, it being the first fine wine I remember tasting many years ago, I prefer Ardanza to most wines!
Scoring them both the same though, for equal but different pleasure.
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2 Hour decant, nice nose, easy drinking wine with a really pleasent mouthfeel. If you are looking for a "can't miss" wine to serve to both casual and more serious wine drinkers this should be on your list. Very mellow with a long finish. Very good and a excellent QPR.
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This is bottle 3 of 7 , the last one opened about 6 months ago. Found this bottle tonight to have been a bit of a chameleon wine over the course of the evening. Initial awkwardness on the pour, acetone nose and acidic in the mouth. 90 minutes of decanting began to resolve this, providing a dusty nose of cigar box, old leather, white pepper, allspice, and some barnyard funky vegetal greenness. Another hour of decanting took away the funkiness and softened the tobacco with more delicate vanilla and sour cherry notes. Quite complex palate of red currant, semi-sweet cherry and white pepper. Very long finish, incredible tannic structure, beautifully integrated. Secondary flavours pop over a minute long finish. Wonderful evolution and complexity, really like this wine.
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Excellent overall. Great perfumed nose, nice rich red fruits with classic Rioja smooth oak. Nice secondary characteristics. Long satisfying finish. PnP. Took 30-60 minutes to open up. 18 months since last bottle and can't say I noticed a big difference. Still drinking great.
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From 75cl, perfect cork. P+P, not decanted. Fine, oaky, dill and a touch of refreshing mint/menthol on the entry; sweet/sour redcurrant/cherry fruit, lively acidity (of course), redcurrant-pip tannins almost completely resolved but for an appealing dryness on the finish. Best in the hour after opening and at about 16C; after 3 hours of air and warmed up to (23C) room temperature a roughness on the mid-palate and some awkward volatile notes disturbed what was initially a wonderfully harmonious wine. 90-(91)P
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WOW this is good. Classic old-school Rioja; potpourri nose, with flavors of bitter black cherry, smoke, oak spice, orange peel, truffle and topsoil. The 2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva is consistently one of my favorite wines, and I can't think of a wine with better QPR at $26! This one is great now but tertiary characteristics are just beginning to emerge, so it has years left. Back the truck up to the door if you find it.
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Yes, 94. It's moved up a notch on the basis of time gifting it balance.
There's not really much to add to the notes I've made before, other than the mouthfeel and finish are so balanced, so smooth, that there is no afterburn whatsoever. I would accept that it's probably a slightly more modern approach in this vintage, with it still having a good fruit profile. But I see that as as a positive, and frankly it's still more classic than most.
Absolutely outstanding bottle of Rioja. Unless my palate is playing tricks with me better than the 2001 Especial I had last year... which itself is an outstanding wine. It's just getting better and better. I'd happily swap some of my Bordeaux futures for another case of this.
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WTDS at Kevin's: This exemplifies my ideal Spanish wine....oaky, but with the fruit to support it. On the nose you get dusty leather with red fruit. On the palate, you get oak, cherry and lavender, with a little spice. The fruit and oak is well integrated, even though the oak is definitely present. (I like oaked wines, so this was delicious for me, but others could find this wine a little too oaky). The tannins were silky and made for a nice textured Spanish Rioja! I would definitely add this wine to my collection and the QPR is definitely excellent!
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WTDS Wednesday Afternoon (Rocknroller's (Kevin & Vicki's Place)): Dark red color. Splash double decanted; drank 2 glasses over 2 hours plus. Pretty nose with dill, red cherry, dust and earth. The palate is equally enticing with dill, red fruit, earth, minerals, medium body, integrating tannins, and a long finish.
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I'm sticking with 92. Given air and a little time (about 3 hours) this is absolutely singing. Lovely medium body, with a dusty dark fruit-with-balsamic tone to it. There's cherry in there, with a slowly fading amount of vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity that screams food wine. Still got years left in it.
Whisper it, but I'm beginning to get the creeping feeling that 2004 is a more 'classic Rioja vintage' than 2001.Whodathought?
From 375ml and 3yrs from my last bottle. This has smoothed out considerably, giving it almost a Pinot-like texture on the palate. Nose of dill and spice. Red fruit with fine acidity on the palate with a distinct forest and spice element. Tannins are fine and only apparent on the back in of a moderately long finish. Quite fresh and enjoyable and a nice change from the typical bdx varietals. Dill is still pretty apparent with is the only distracting characteristic.
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Aromas of smoky cherry, blueberry, licorice, crushed dry herbs, menthol. A touch of barnyard and leather though not overpowering. Definite oak treatment. Earth and pan juices.
Reasonably mellow in the mouth but the tannins are quite drying in the aftertaste. Subtle. Oak sticks out and the wine probably needs a long time for the body to flesh out and integrate with the oak.
Opinion: interesting wine but caution needed. Which direction will the Bretty aromas head?
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As others have mentioned, herbal tones of dill on the nose and back end of the palate. This bottle showed restrained fruit and some oak, but by no means obtrusive. The tannins are agreeable and likely will soften further - I'm guessing this may be the beginning of a prime drinking window for this wine. No rough edges. Overall an impression of harmony, and a nice value.
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Clear appearance, medium to deep intensity, ruby-red in colour. Clean nose, still very youthful, a little oak and red cherries. Tannins are soft and integrating nicely and the wine is well balanced. Medium body, medium flavour intensity and medium-plus length.
Very drinkable now and noting that I have no experience of how this wine ages, I'd expect it to continue to improve Alver the coming years as this wine does not yet show the classic "Rioja dusty" terroir on the palate.
This was drunk alongside a 1998 904 and this was in a better place on the evening.
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From 375. In a great place, very enjoyable. Classic Rioja, with cherry, vanilla and earthy undertones. Still a good amount of acidity with just a touch of smooth tannins. Wish I had more.
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I really need to slow down on the consumption of this, but it's absolutely singing right now, so it's difficult to keep my hands off!
Almost Burgundian in style and weight, it's teetering on the edge form that earlier, heavyweight fruitier stage, and starting to integrate it's component parts beautifully to offer benchmark Reserva and Ardanza drinking. Cherries (with a cherry-raspberry acidity), good dose of Vanilla from the American Oak (though never overpowering or overwhelming). There's a nice dose of liquorice on the back palate.
It's hard to decide which my desert island wine would be, but the 2001 and 2004 vintages are right up there. They just keep giving.
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Right in the early part of its sweet spot. Classic rioja with balanced very fine tannins and rich secondary notes. Drink now now now or plus 3-5 years; unclear if it would improve or decline at that point.
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Drink window on this is 2017-2040. Now that I had one of two tonight, I can certainly believe that! Popped to a light purple stain on the cork. Poured dark garnet with a hint of violet. The nose was nitrogenous with a lot of barnyard. The opening was barnyard, soot, and forest. The mid-palate was where the black cherry and a hint of plum and clove existed. The wine finished with part nitrogen and part spice -- sage and oregano. A little acidity, interestingly not much tannin. Wine continued to develop to the last drop, but what this wine needs the most is to be cellared and opened in 4-5 years.
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Nothing much to add to previous notes, other than this is absolutely singing right now and is going to be good for a few years yet. Classic cherry and vanilla, strawberries and cream, a touch of dark fruit. Wonderful balancing acidity.
Currently my favourite vintage of Rioja, La Rioja Alta and Ardanza. There are wines 3 times the price of this that would do well to match the quality and enjoyment.
Earthy and wet wood on the nose. Leather and chewy in the mouth. Modest fruit. Earth and wet wood from the nose linger in the finish. Still drinking very nicely
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Fantastic bottle that is very much in its prime, wonderful expression of Rioja with sublime cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit lightly flavoured by vanilla, well-balanced and smooth, tannins fully integrated, providing a lingering finish of half a minute.
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Red Garnet color, red fruits , tobacco, pepper, leather on the palate full bodied, round , nice acidity, start now the drinking window and will improve with time
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Really dill-y nose- I think I'm sensitive to it because I get it in most riojas now. Also big sweet cherries and a little strawberry which carries through to the palate. Very well structured- good dose of acid and tannin to match the delicious fruit. Better after a long decant.
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A sweet smelling enticing nose. Raspberries, exciting red currants and spicy cherries impressing on the palate with consistency and power amidst a smooth finish.
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Still a shapeless brute, lumbering awkwardly toward a distant maturity. 3-5 years to opening; should hold and mellow indefinitely thereafter (not that anyone outside northern Spain really knows: the oldest Ardanzas available at U.S. retail today are vintage 2000).
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I just love this wine. Bought a case and have been drinking 6 bottles over the past year. Will still evolve over the next few years and such great value (I paid $26/bottle).
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Kızıl,mor röfleli kenarlarında çok ince koyu vişne çürüğü rimi olan derin lal renginde. Ön burnunda vanilya, lavanta gibi floral notalar ile dengeli erik, kuru incir benzeri meyveler, baharat , tütün arkada ise deri benzeri animal ve silikde olsa b vitamini gibi medicinal aromalar ile oldukça katmanlı bir burun. Orta gövdeli, son derece olgun tanen yapısı ,elegan ipeksi dokusuna eşlik eden ve ayrı ayrı ortaya çıkan lezzetler ile kompleks olarak nitelenebilecek dengeli damağı aynı zamanda orta üstü asidi ile, tazeleyici. Daha çok siyah meyve ,tütün/baharat ve toprak hissedilen tatlar arasında. Uzun ve lezzetli bitimi ise baharat ,mineral dokunuşlar içeren temiz ve kalıcılığı olan bir bitim. İşin ilginç tarafı şarap hala genç ve bana göre daha 4-6 yıl kadar, zevkle içim aralığı sunuyor. 2016-2021 92+Puan
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PnD half the bottle last night. Delicious. Finished stored in fridge allowed to come to room temperature to finish tonight. Deep garnet purple almost saturated with crimson to clear rim. Plum fig baking spices lavendar anise and leather on the nose. Medium weight with silky tannins. Complex burst of flavour on the palate. Clean lingering finish with a pleasant medicinal complexity. This is wonderfully complex and amazingly youthful. I have experienced some bottle variation nothing extreme and can't see how some others have had bottles score as low as they have. Look forward to drinking up my last three over the next five years.
Superb. Utterly classic Rioja. Unmistakably Ardanza, that core of soft strawberry fruit, layers of vanilla and sweet spice, and that moreish complexity. Drinking perfectly.
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Tried this bottle twice, so no excuse. I cannot believe I am tasting the same wine than the one some people are describing. Seemed to me that it was well over its peak, very light, thin, full of acidity. Lacking everyting. I do have 4 bottles left and I am wondering what I can do with this. Bought a bottle if 2007 in order to check whether it is just a question of age?
Turning into such a lovely wine. I was at first a sceptic of the 2004 vintage, it was quite heavy, a bit of a blunt instrument to start with, but its turning into my favourite of the last decade or so in Rioja. Like the polar opposite of the more floral 2005, and a more approachable version of 2001.
I've really little to add to my previous tasting note. Classic Ardanza, nice mid-weight, vanilla and cherry dominate the nose. Refreshing acidity that makes it a perfect partner to food. I'd just as happily drink it on its own though. As to its timeframe, there really is no rush, this will live and develop well over the next decade with improvement for the next handful of years. The question is as to whether I can keep my hands off the bottles for long enough.
Like it? Love it!
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Well crafted, mature Rioja. It should hold for a few years, but does not seem likely to develop greatly from this point. Some added interest with additional cellaring would help, so it would be worth delaying and hoping for the best.
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Closed nose straight from bottle, bitter cherry / damsons with cloves and nutmeg notes on the palate, tannins soft with a hint of green pepper. Good finish and acidity. I will check if this opens up, but well made and good to drink now with food, if a bit un-exciting. WoFW 14/20
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Day 1 a bit muted all around. Day 2 great bouquet of deep purple fruit ... plum, lavender, ripe strawberries. Nice fruit on the palate and super long finish. Should continue to improve.
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This is lovely uncomplicated drinking. Lots of cedar on the nose. Sweet fruit and wood palate.Medium bodied. Medium length. Very nicely made good quality rioja.
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This was good again. Compared to the other wines we had tonight, this was very flashy. It had lots of ripe red fruit flavors but it also had enough funky and medicinal flavors to be complex.
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Even with a PNP this wine is really drinking well, fruit on the nose, the palate is red fruit, a little chocolate with hints of cedar, a nice long finish.
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Light medium red. First thing one notices in the nose is the American oak. Nothing at all overpowering but noticeable for sure. Behind that some nice earthy dark fruit and graphite.
Very nice aged Rioja obviously softened with some barrel age. Ready to drink for sure.
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Just see Paul S's TN, who nailed it (as usual). Nothing I could add to that. Love the traditional style which makes it such a versatile food wine. Nice value too.
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At a restaurant. Surprisingly, this one still showed some oak influence on the nose. Not disturbing, not excessive, but noticeable. The palate was very fresh and acidity driven, and still had some edges from the tannins. At times I loved its freshness, but compared to the Vina Tondonia 2001 from yesterday, this lacked the silkiness and depth of the palate.
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Rather disappointing this time around. What happened to the balance? Maybe it was because there were other riojas on the table that were more restrained - but this one had the sour cherry was turned way up, with a noticeable acidity and alcohol, ultimately hiding the elegance I would want/expect from a reserva. I feel like because it's so hit-you-in-the-face, it makes it a bit more difficult to pair with food. Maybe this means that "it needs more time", but I'm not so sure, as it didn't quite have the tannic structure I was hoping for. Certainly not a "bad" wine, just not hitting my rioja buttons.
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Upon opening it had a very old world Bordeaux like nose, however after just a few moments of air the oak and vanilla moved forward and it took on a somewhat new world feel. After an hour of air it opened up into an elegant Rioja with nice fruit and structure and age polished tannins.
Agree with all reviews calling for time after opening. PnP in restaurant led to underwhelming first glass. As dinner progressed the acidity and fruit came out, pairing very nicely with the Riojan lamb I was eating. More time in bottle probably not a bad idea either, but it was certainly enjoyable now by the last glass.
Similar nose / palate profile to my note from 9/2013 "On nose, earthy, leather, cherrry, cedar. Medium body, high acidity and cherry/dried cherry / cranberry flavor profile. Medium+ to long finish - great with food."
a little more dirt / tobacco on nose than last tasting. Very enjoyable and needed 30+ minutes of time in the decanter to come around. 92+/- This was enjoyed by everyone at the dinner table.
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Very, very odd bottle of Ardanza. It was certainly off -- extremely oaky and almost no fruit. I suspect it was slightly corked as I know cork taint can manifest itself by killing fruit without its usual "damp basement" characteristic, but I'm not 100% convinced at this point.
I'm a bit concerned about La Rioja Alta wines in general. Of a recent case of Vina Alberdi 2007, I'd say 5-6 bottles showed similarly -- very oaky vanilla and coconut and almost no fruit. They were actually very unpleasant. Now, I've tasted a similarly odd bottle of Ardanza. I've drunk too much great Ardanza (and Alberdi) so I know these bottles aren't typical, but I've had too much bad LRA lately.
I did not mark this as "flawed" even though I am almost certain it is, because I'd like any feedback from others on what I've been experiencing with LRA.
V: medium weight almost opaque, some bricking along edge N: leather and wood T: not much fruit left, a bit dry on finish when first opened. However came into its own w steak on a warm summer evening.
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purple black color, aromas of cassis black currants, red currants, structured supple tannins, racy acidity, chocolate notes, cocoa, raspberry jam, tart structured dry finish with spice and ripe fruits
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Drank with a vertical of 2001, 2005. This wine is not ready - in fact the 2005 is more ready today. Real whiff of barnyard on the nose, very tight and tannic for a Rioja). Decanted about an hour and drank over 4 hours. As said before, needs a lot more air if you want to drink it now. Resist the urge!
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From 375ml. PnP. Remains a very well balanced, classically styled and elegant rioja although I felt that this bottle had lost a bit of freshness versus the one that I had a year ago. I would think that regular 750ml bottles and larger formats will continue to hold up well for some years to come but for these half bottles, it would probably be well advised to drink up within the next year or two. Good value.
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Consumed over a period of two days. The wine was medium to dark ruby in colour and offered red fruit, some leather, some tobacco, coffee, cocoa, spices and vanilla on the nose. On the palate the wine showed red fruit, some leather, some tobacco, coffee, cocoa, spices, vanilla and cinnamon, with lively, medium-plus acidity, smooth, medium-level tannin, a slightly creamy mouthfeel and superb length (with a lingering coffee + cocoa aftertaste). A good, medium-bodied, medium-complex, old-school Rioja that opened-up after an hour in the decanter. I have a slight preference for the 2005 for its better concentration, yet only by a very small margin, and also liked this 2004 a lot, particularly on day two. I would recommend decanting for at least an hour.
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Just a note. I opened this bottle perhaps 3 weeks ago, and was left totally unimpressed by its muddy flavors and unimpressive nose. Put it in the fridge, and was about to toss it, when I decided to re- taste. A different wine! This wine was not a defective wine, but one that needed a LOT of time to relax with a bit of Oh-two.
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Très ample et a paru plus boisé cette fois-ci. Nez sur les fruits noirs, le tabac et le chocolat. En bouche, Dense et ample, beaucoup de fruits et de bois, tannins charnus et finale très longue. Encore tout jeune...délicieux mais un peu saturant.
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Unimpressive, to say the least. Given the recently consumed very -nice -to -wonderful bottles of the 2001 or 2004 Bin 904 and 890, and given some of the reviews for this wine, I anticipated more La Rioja Alta complexity and corps.
The wine was pleasant, smooth, but a tiny bit watery and lacking in the necessary smokey clay and cherry characteristics. With a short decant, the nose unfolded decently. These might take more time given the vintage, but not likely.
Schönes, blumiges Bukett nach Süsskirsche. Auch reife Noten von Tabak und Leder, die sich perfekt integrieren. Am Gaumen schön elegant, wunderbar balanciert, aber prägnant durch den typisch klassisch langen Fassausbau. Tragende Säure, geschmeidige Taninne, ein Traumrioja.
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If a wine can be this good from a plastic cup (to be fair on a lovely day in the park with a picnic) then it has to be tremendous.
Its definitely developed since my last note - and whilst this one feels like a bit of a climb down from that - I still reiterate this is one to keep for a while, as it is a more muscular wine than some of its predecessors.
Anyway, its still a very deep colour for an Ardanza, but it has a beautiful bouquet, so quintessentially Rioja - oak, cherry, vanilla etc etc. Drinks fantastically well too, with no noticeable alcohol burn, nor too searing an acidity. I'm not even sure that 92 does the enjoyment justice! Still feels a little young though, like it still has some secrets to reveal given time.
Ardanza comes good again. Why did I ever doubt you? (Though I'm drinking a 2005 next and saving this for a couple of years).
From 75cl, v. good cork. Decanted 1 hour. Not quite as fine as the 2001, this is nonetheless a delicious, traditional, american-oaked-vanilla, skinny red-fruited Rioja approaching full maturity. Crunchy acidity worked well with lamb. (88-)89P
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Upon popping Light brick orange/ garnet color that turned brighter and a deeper cherry with an hr of air. Touch of barnayrd, with brown sugar/light caramel, vanilla and cedar notes that are predominant on the nose but translate differently to a medium to light body frame that exudes on the palate cherry and orange peel notes with lots of tobacco, mushroom and earthy mineral notes ending with juicy mouthwatering acidity. Enjoyed the complexity and evolution of the wine.
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Classic Rioja tempranillo color: med-dark ruby with shades of garnet/burgundy/orange. The nose is equally complex: fruit, spice, wood. On the palate: tart, spicy, and moderately restrained, perfectly balanced. Classic Rioja, world-renowned clarity. There must me a potent 80% tempranillo in the bottle, because 20% grenache could emasculate a wine -- but here it only rounds the edges. If you like red Rioja, this is a collector's item.
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First 2 bottles of this case were enjoyable, but the last 2 have an over-the-top fruit and oak character. At this point I regret that I have 8 bottles to go . . .
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First of 6 bottles so this was a bit of an experiment. Really blossomed after 90 minutes of air. Expressive, classic Rioja nose with a touch of dill. Beautiful cherry fruit and silky tannins. Lost a bit of luster after about four hours. On day 2 this was not as captivating but still delicious.
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My first taste of this. Very polished and refined with good oak integration. Red fruits dominated with a touch of orange peel. Impressive but needs time to develop.
Deep dark fruit, polished tannins, long finish. Huge nose with fruit and leather... And the taste follows the nose. This was very bordeux like with leather and pencil mingling in the fruit, and maybe chocolate on the finish. Great value.
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Red in the glass with orange hues. Cedar, cherry, and some vanilla on the nose. Sour cherry, leather, and eucalyptus palate. Still quite acidic and I sensed some dusty tannins. This was very well integrated, balanced and, in my mind, a remarkable value. Very hard to find a better wine at this price. Authentic, honest, and almost in the range that I would describe as captivating.
After 4 hrs in the decanter: Wow! The notes that were separate now have become more integrated and this wine is really singing. What a deep expression of exuberance and vivacity this bottle is! It has moved well into the range that I would describe as captivating.....
Not sure what will become of this in years to come, but I am going to try like hell to keep my hands off my remaining three bottles. As good as it is now, I suspect the best is yet to come...
This seems much more full than a bottle I had few months ago. I still love the old world edge to it but it is surprisingly ripe and new world with all the fruit flavors. I made a great pairing with fresh blackberries.
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This was my second bottle of this wine. The first one I feel it 95 pts. No decanting, not too big glasses. The second bottle was drank yesterday on Riedel Vinum XL glasses, maybe the huge size of this glasses over exposed it to oxygen because the taste was a bit vinegar. Still a good wine though...
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Pop and poured. With lamb chops, side cheeses and salumi. Very high quality creamy mushroom nose, very compelling and complex, smooth velvety textures. However, near the end, started to thin out and tasting a little more acidic. Drink now.
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This was awesome. Soft mouthfeel rounded out by age, still a little bit of extra oak that will fade with a few more years. Nose of violets, Indian spices, tobacco, earth and dark fruit, will all of the same on the palate. Just a really nice wine with lots of interesting characteristics. A great value.
One of the very few rioja Riservas or gran Riservas that did not keep in balance, especially in great vintage like 2004. A 375 at arestaurant was a bit acidic, mixed pale cherry, smoke, clay flavors out of balance and had a nice but not totally pleasung cigar box, mushroom, brambly nose.
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I echo Mr. dsruban's previous comment: "Red fruit, mouth-watering acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated oak, long finish, this is a killer Rioja. Tannins softened after a few hours of decanting. Drinking beautifully now," I could not come up with a better description; the key with this wine is to let it air for 4-5 hours BEFORE you start your serious consideration.
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Red fruit, mouth-watering acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated oak, long finish, this is a killer Rioja. Tannins softened after a few hours of decanting. Drinking beautifully now, but could easily last another 10 years.
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Medium red brick color. Wonderful open smoky tobacco cedar and floral nose with cherry and raspberry notes. What is up your nose transfers to an elegant mouth feel and balance. Ample acidity. At a nice stage to drink if you like delicious.
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Lovely red fruit on the nose, along with hints of tobacco, wet rock. It's reminiscent of wandering through a wine cave, full of aromatic barrels. On the palate, the red fruit shines through, complemented by a little cocao & oak undertones. Beautiful acidity. Well balanced. Lots of life on this vintage.
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Light ruby brick color. Nice nose of flowers, spice and American oak. Lively palette of more spices like cumin paprika and other secondary woodsy characteristics with tart cherry and acid with tannins integrated but still making a presence at the end. Pretty good and can still go another decade no problem.
Very funky nose for LRA. Needs another year to settle down. Clearly bested by the 2001 Ardanza Reserva Especial on this night, though definitely promising.
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This wine is always so reliable and it is always pleasure to drink… Spices and cooked cherries, great palate with milk chocolate, nice balance of acidity and tannins and medium/long finish Very nice indeed!
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Excellent overall. Great perfumed nose, nice rich red fruits with classic Rioja smooth oak. Nice secondary characteristics. Long satisfying finish. Drinking well now but seems fairly youthful and has some years to go.
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Again, La Rioja demonstrates its ability to shine in this offering and vintage. For the QPR, this is a fantastic value. Youthful fruit forwardness but with a backbone that screams lineage and complexity. Round and full mouth feel. Tannins and acid in the right proportions. All wrapping a core of rich red fruit and finished with a long tail of vanilla oakey goodness. Had this together with appetizers focused on a Roquefort cheese theme and it paired very well.
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Mixed nose of black and red fruits, very open with a slight earthy note. Medium bodied with medium acidity, similar fruit profile to the nose, macerated black cherries, blackberry and raspberry. Not showing much secondary characteristics, this will improve with a bit more age.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Pleasant aroma of ripe plum and dark berries which continues on the palate; Nice underlying minerality with metallic notes; Medium to full body with ripe fruit balanced against mature oak, soft tannins and good acidity. Fruit is still youthful with ample structure to suggest this will age gracefully for several more years.
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Awesome, classic Rioja. At its peak. My last bottle tasted like it was at the end of its peak but this one was better. Great structure. Best if decant or open bottle for 1 hour+.
Approachable nose with mellow notes of leather and dark fruit. This is an enjoyable wine at this stage with some red fruits and a spice on the finish. The wine still grips suggesting cellaring for a few more years.
Medium bodied, sour cherries, orange peel. High acidity and loads of oak. Was disappointed given the hype with this one. Little depth and fairly low tannic structure at opening and after a 3 hour decant when the oak started to wear off. Would recommend buying the '07 vina alberdi reserva for half the price over this.
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Dusty leather and earth on the nose. Harsh out of the bottle. Tossed it in the blender since we didn't have our aerator with us. After blending and exposing it to air, it opened up nicely. Served warmer than I usually serve my reds, probably around 60 or 65 degrees.
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Nose was musty leather and mushrooms upon opening - moderate tannins. Poured light burgundy with orange-ish ring. Decanted for 4 hours, opened up nicely. Alcohol taste subsided, sour cherry on palate - medium finish. Pleasure to drink.
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Old World Blind Tasting >$25 (Bin 75): See through crimson with orange rim; dill, vanilla, menthol, strawberry, cherry, Rioja Reserva or higher, bay leaf, mint, sage, herbal, thinner layer of fruit; strawberry, cherry, good acid, oak is tolerable; nailed it on the dot.
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The color and body are lightweight but the flavors are not. Delicious and ready to drink. I love the spice and medicinal flavors. The tannins are minimal so I'd drink up.
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Vinegar and earth on the nose. Quite sour, earthy, with fine tannins. Had it with bbq pork ribs, which didn't help with the flavor. Had it without any food later, and it was worse. Unfortunately, I have 2 more bottles.
Lovely traditional profile. Old oak (but not musty or too much coconut/vanilla) with refreshing sappy red fruit profile. Long life ahead of this but drinking really well right now.
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More dark earth and olive than I remember from my initial tasting six months ago, when vanilla, cedar and plum were the dominant flavors. Still, this amazingly silky and complex Rioja, takes you through a variety of scents and flavors from earth and leather to sour cherry, dark fruit and dried herb ending with a long, pleasant finish.
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Bevuto a Granata (Spagna). Naso di poltrona in pelle, ribes, un accenno di rosmarino. In bocca potente con una acidità importante; cane bagnato,ribes, una punta di lampone, albicocca, menta balsamica e in ultimo arriva la liquirizia.... Si ma che fatica 😄 Aperto senza ombra di dubbio troppo presto. Non toccare per almeno altri 3 anni.
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Really good recommendation from. The sommelier at Julian Serrano in Las Vegas. A hint of raisin on the nose. Needed a little air & then opened to a medium-full bodied wine full of red fruit, a little more raisin without the sweetness. Long finish that was very satisfying & good with food. Earth tones were also present, but in the background.
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(at Bar American – NYC) Delicious, young Rioja. Good fruit and oak spice. There is a good bit of tannin on the finish that suggests a long life. Great value. (91+)
Medium garnet colour. Expressive nose with mostly red fruit like cherry and raspberry, floral scents and noticeable barnyard. On the palate it is medium-bodied, elegant and silky-textured with balancing acidity and a medium to long aftertaste. At a nice stage to drink but will hold further. Good value.
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In my opinion, this is one of the great values of wine out there. For under $30 you can open a bottle and from the first taste to the bottom of the bottle it is enjoyable without getting tired of it. Medium body with nice fruit, but not too much jammy...in your face fruit. A perfect match to go with Manchego and some Spanish Chorizo.
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Espagnol moderne en style. Nez et bouche sur les épices, le tabac blond. Longueur très bonne avec un soupçon de goudron sur les tannins. Complexité dans ce vin sur des arômes secondaires qui vaut son prix d'une trentaine de dollars. Déjà ouvert mais peut se conserver longtemps. 91 sur 100.
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Outstanding example of a modern Spanish Rioja. Earthy with tar and tobacco notes and lots of black fruit. Very long finish with ample chewy tannins for a balanced, beautiful evening of drinking. Great wine!
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Popped and poured. Next time I will give it some time in a decanter.
Solid fruit that started a little tart, with tart cherry, vanilla, fig, expresso and mushroom. Starting the transition to the secondary flavors - just starting to form.
Will give the next several bottles a couple of years plus an hour+ decant. Nice wine, but didn't blow me away yet.
However, nice QPR and a solid value for the quality.
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Aromatic, mushroom, sandalwood, cigar box, leather, prune, and withered wood on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity; bold and distinct replays; balanced tannins, great structure. Finishes complex and spiced. 5/5
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This wine is in a good place. Dark fruit on the nose, deep red in the glass, dark fruit with hints of mushroom and coffee on the palate, a nice lingering finish.
A friend brought this to a tasting I hosted. The suave and appealing bouquet was a dead giveaway to Rioja, marked by a very pleasant red clay terroir element that also shows on the palate. Juicy, red fruit attack, rounded and texturally intriguing mid palate, complex finish. Great acid and weight. Thoroughly enjoyable. 90-91.
Very good fairly traditional Rioja with edge of sweet vanilla oak, lovely red berry fruit and a hint of five spice. Drinking well now. A big improvement on the 2001.
Wish I had waited another 5 years for this one. So much potential but just so young. Tart at first but opened beautifully after awhile. Hints of cedar, tart cherry but black... very black and not in a bad way. Just scrumptious. 2nd bottle of the night. WAIT!
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A nice Rioja straddling between the traditional and the modern world. There is dark fruit, plenty of oak, velvet smoothness, and a heightened acidity that make this quite refreshing and entertaining to drink.
Seems to be a lot of lower reviews on this. No doubt a lot of WS "hating" going on. Seems to be a trend on CT. Anyway, on the best Temp's I've had in quite some time. Fantastic flavor fruit forward profile with a smooth subtle lingering finish. Great oak and cherry infusion. I will add a few more to the cellar. Truly an award winning Temp well worth the price.
From 375ml at Les Amis in Singapore. PnP but I found this very approachable from the get go. Well balanced, good freshness, and medium finish. Can taste the oak but I felt that all the components were relatively well integrated. Alot of finesse and a joy to drink.
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Similar to my notes of the 2001, however the 2004 shows more finesse. Notes of sweet spices integrated with vanilla oak. Overall this is a true representation of a great Rioja, no wonder this was WS #22 of top 100 2013.
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Consistent with prior tasting notes but this particular bottling has a tremendous amount of bottle variation (i've consumed 6 so far). This was not showing the best bit still great. old word funk, bret, etc. Still lovely.
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First bottle of a case. With BBQ lamb on the warmest day in London so far this year. Quite oaky on opening. Dill, coconut, very American oak. Classic young Rioja. Lovely with lamb (30 minute decant) but even better one hour later. This will be great but needs a good decant now as oak doesn't quite seem integrated enough.
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Brought to restaurant and enjoyed thoroughly. Unfortunately, didn't decant long enough. Will try again in a few months with a one hour decant. I remember nice scent of dark fruit, cinnamon, a little bit of funk. Same on palette with a nice finish. Will take detailed notes at home next bottle.
Nose of dark fruit, oak, a bit of cedar and touch of chocolate. Great balance and a nice creamy texture. Rich and full. Perhaps a bit modern. Nice full finish.
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2004 Spanish wines at the Magnum Society (Wellington, New Zealand): Colour deep red, a little browning at the edges, suggesting some evolution. The colour was different from the other five wines, suggesting this may be the traditional Rioja of the six. This impression is confirmed on bouquet, a funky nose of spicy plums, earth, tar, underbrush, tobacco and some Provencal herbs, over a core of rich red fruits. A soft, savoury entry to the palate, a little tart (as a positive descriptor). Sappy with nice, firm acidity, good structure and excellent fruit weight. Savoury, mellow flavours of mushrooms, earth, brushwood and tobacco, more prominent than with the other wines. This traditional wine went beautifully with food. Harmonious with its wood well integrated. The same two days later. Drinking well now but ideally needs five years. A wine for those, like me, who like more traditional Rioja. Tempranillo 80%, Garnacha 20%.
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Ripe and smooth with a very good balance and length. Fair amount of minty oak, but not over the top. Comes across as very polished, but lacking some excitement. Crowd pleaser.
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Monthly Tasting Group: Spain (Solera, Mpls, MN): Very dark red color. 2oz pour over 1.5hrs. I liked this a lot. Showed good balance, drinking well currently (not sure what this got for a decant), There is a little funk, some dry forest floor, dried berries, raspberry, wood spice: the palate shows dark cherry, raspberry, anise, smoke and some mixed spices with a touch of oak. Medium body and medium plus finish.
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Big floral nose with plum black cherry and a bit of oak..left in the decanter for 2 hours and the wine was singing. Dark cherry, plum, spicy a hint of tart cassis, complexity in waves good acid and fine tannin. So good I drank the whole bottle by myself over 5 hours..ugghh
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Very enjoyable and balanced medium to full bodied red. Good acidity, reasonable tannins and lovely red fruits on the palate. A huge amount of oak dominates the nose.
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You can see through the wine. Orange hues. Notes of beewax, oranges. Same on the palate. Balsamic aromas, too. Reminds me rather of a Nebbiolo based wine than anything else. Drink now.
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should be better than what I experienced. a little bit overhyped. great lean, elegant structure with quite a bit of smokiness and gameyness, but also unbalanced. still young
Trial balloon: It needs an hour to mellow and an extra hour to open up. The trouble with having it in a restaurant is that the meal is over by the time it's ready (half-bottle at Tertulia, New York). Nevertheless, this is great wine but needs time. Starts off with a strong strawberry nose. More complex red-fruit profile after 90 minutes (with leather and plum indeed and perhaps a hint of hibiscus and cardamon too). In my opinion the 2001 are just beginning to blossom. The 2004s should be kept for a while. Drink 2016-2024+ and make sure to let it breath. I won't be touching the bottles in my own cellar for a few more years. 90-92+
Tasted blind. Out of the gate, very impressive. Pretty much blown away. However, after a couple hours it fanned out and changed. I thought it was better early. Pretty fruit with a seductive personality to it. For the money($30), its a great value. 92/93
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Opened two hours before serving as part of 2004 Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva tasting.
Purple garnet with slight orange on the rim. Leathery barnyard plummy nose. Medium(-) very smooth. Zippy cranberry slightly sour flavors. Seems to be a lot of variation in these bottles.
Lightly acid for mi taste. Decanted to soften it but did not made too much of a difference. I don't love Rioja's in general because of that characteristic.
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Stone fruit on the palette. Soft tannins. Good acidity. Great balance and length. Medium bodied, but floaty in a way that old vines can be. I don't yet know much about Spanish wines, but have heard that the 2004 vintage was a big one for Spain. From that perspective I was expecting bigger fruit. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this bottle.
Much better bottle. More fruit more complexity, jam funk leather rocks. Strong nose and long finish. Great value. I wonder if this bottle is from the first or second place I bought from. Not as acidic or tasteless. I love it!
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A wild, funky nose that jumped right out of the bottle when I popped the cork -- as if musty dark spirits escaped with the cork like a genie from her lamp. In the glass, the color is translucent garnet with bright crimson highlights imagining the priest's chalice lifted to his holy god. The viscosity is beyond description. The legs drip down the glass sensuously and appear to be centimeters thick; the word unctuous does not due justice. Tasting the wine almost seems irrelevant at this point. What does it matter when it looks this good in the glass?
In the mouth there is a still a resident must but this is now overshadowed by herbs, incense and dark wood. The finish is not overpowering and if anything the final impression remains of must. One feels compelled to lift the glass again, in search of further nuance and perhaps the final absence of that dry must. The wine is not flawed or corked just slightly imperfect.
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Double decant through Menu decanter. Very nice balance and the tannins were smooth. The nose was delicious but subdued. The nose really opened up the second and third day. Will wait a couple more years before popping another bottle.
The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like cool/menthol, prune, raisin, plum, mushroom and cedar. It tastes like mineral, light toast and black pepper. The body is medium. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity.
Medium body, medium color, red fruit nose with hints of sweet spices; smooth and complex fruit and floral flavors with some lingering minerality on the longish finish, fine tannins. Sappy and delicious. Delicious traditional Rioja at a great QPR, this wine is refined and layered yet very easy to drink.
From a 375ml at Les Amis. I wish more Riojas were made like this - traditional, unpretentious, eminently drinkable, but full of character and great with food. This was lovely stuff. 80% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, it was made in a very traditional way, with three years in American oak barrels with two rackings a year, followed by three years in bottle before release. There was a really pretty nose of sweet cherries, wild berries and cassis scents, along with some briar, spice and gentle curls of cigarette smoke, with just the lightest hint of sweet oak in there somewhere. The palate was very gulpable indeed, with bright, high-toned flavours of dark cherries and plums and some cassis spiked with super-lively, juicy, bright acidity. Past the midpalate, there was a little dusting of powdery tannins, a hint of oak and a nice seasoning of earthy spice, with and dried flowers and herbs - like sage and thyme with a hit of menthol cigarettes - all deliciously complex little nuances that rounded the wine off very nicely. This was very nice to drink even today, and absolutely beautiful with a pink cut of Australian Wagyu beef. It will go on developing for quite a few years yet though - there was still something youthful about this: a sense of primary thickness on the fruit, a slight chew from the tannins, and some stirring acidity on the back-end. I think it will be lovely in 3-4 years. 91+
This wine is outstanding. The bottle needs about 30 minutes to come together (I did a decant then back to bottle) and smells like a new wood barreling room. The use of oak here on this reserva is absolutely beautiful. The fruit is delicate with very noticeable rim variation. Strong scents of red cassis, hints of currant, almond skin and beautiful sweet red apple, baked pomegranate and raspberry. very much red fruit now picking up a dried flower elemant (roses and orchids) with a cool minty edge - herbal characteristics and i thought a little light on fruit until it blossomed about an hour later. This wine is outstanding...match for me would be grilled chicken, something lean and light like pork. The fruit is peaking and I'd be drinking this now. Bought 3 more bottles.
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Pours deep ruby with bricking at the rims. Very strong aroma of oak and dried cherries. Medium body. On the palate, dark cherry, musty basement, leather, earth and a big hit of oaky vanilla. At first, the oak is overpowering but it rounds off quite neatly with air time and even more so in the presence of food. Actually, a couple of glasses in and eating it with roasted potatoes and ribeye, this is absolutely delectable. Something about this wine and the roasted potatoes just works. The last drops from the bottle are pure maraschino cherry.
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Light bricking, dried berries and funk on the nose. Cassis, cedar, figs, and licorice with good balance of acidity that keeps this a little lighter and not too heavy.
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Open 2 days. Well-colored, deep red. Opaque. A little orange at the rim. Nose has lots of dill and cedar. Good palate, medium bodied with plenty of fruit. A bit rustic. Decent finish, a bit oaky. 4-12-15-7: 88/100.
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the quite typical LRA- nose, compote, overripe fruit, spicy, on the palate quite peppery, basket full of other spices, concentrated, good structure, dark berries, very good finish, but this is not the 2001......, some years to go so I would wait 3+ years to open the next bottle, 87- 91?
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Interesting wine. Middle weight, mixed red and black fruit, a funky nose, sour cherry, fairly smooth with a spicy/acidic and mildly vegetal finish. The finish is very much like a right bank bordeaux with a cab franc flavor profile. Not bad but I think there are better 2004 Reservas at the price point.
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This wine is drinking great with a fast decant. Wonderful notes of dill and coconut from American wood. Not throwing any tannins so didn't need a filtered decant (thought it would given traditional method). Beautiful elegant extraction and high acid. Fruit integration of baked strawberry, baked raspberry and cool red cherry with cherry fruit leather and bay leaf herbal element. Nice mouthfeel, round and full. great wine in general. more detailed notes on the next bottle but these are rocking now.
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Really like the nose. Interesting. Strawberry balsamic, vanilla, and tobacco. Also some mysteriously unidentifiable savory minerality. Medium body, dark red fruit, and nice balance on the mid-palate. Tannins really dry out the entire mouth into the finish but are well-integrated and not abrasive. I want to revisit in 5 and 25 years.
Popped and poured at home. All I can say is "wow!" Luscious ruby red, lightening toward the rim. Somewhat viscous, not opaque but dark. Lovely melange of red fruit and oak in the nose is very attractive. Wordier on the palate but still with plenty of complex fruit flavors to stand up to the wood. Quite smooth and sleek as far as mouthfeel. Wood dominates a bit in the finish, but this is still nice. 4-13-14-7: 88/100. Will it plump up with air?
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Medium body red fairly acidic which cuts through rich food. Tart cherry strawberry rhubarb fruit with significant vanilla oak. Lengthy finish from the juicy acidity.
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Ray and Yvette's house - dinner (Miami, FL): Needs 45 min decant. Medium body. Muted flavors of dark fruits, bramble, soil, tobacco. Well integrated, smooth. Everyone enjoyed this wine, a crowd pleaser.
We decanted this for 2 hours before serving. This is a little funkier than most Tempranillos, but very interesting and enjoyable. We paired it with a picadillo dish that had many layers of flavors and the pairing worked very well.
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This wine is full of funk and interest. The aroma is all over the place. Pungent cedar, licorice, espresso, chocolate cake, baking spices, vanilla, very tart cherries, smoked meat, and vegetal notes. Tannins are moderate and firm. Acidity is very high.
Most of the time, Rioja tastes to me like a noble mix of blueberries, oak, tobacco, and vanilla. But sometimes, it tastes like this--wild, inelegant, and fascinating.
Huge disappointment here for 25 dollars. Really nice and promising on the nose initially with cedar on day 1 and a pleasantly prune-y note on day 2, but way too acidic. Thick legs on the glass confused me because it felt diluted - maybe because of the acid.
Perhaps this bottle was flawed, but I don't think so. I would be interested to try another bottle but not at that price.
Rioja red, tinge of bricking; fist nose - somewhat musty, wood and tart red fruit; second - more prominently fruit. Medium/Light bodied, nice acidity, and smoothly integrated wine with some woodyness. Somewhat short finish. Most prominent flavor I get is slightly tangy red fruit.
Nice deep red brown color. Very nice vanilla and stinky nose (vineyards stink). Wow. Red current as well. Nice acidity, clean, sweet, and again, vanilla palate. Liked. Nice med tannin, med long after taste.
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Gotta Drink (It's for the kids): Slow ox for about 6 hours. Upon opening I am struck by wintergreen and vanilla, cedary oak. There seems to be dark fruit to balance. 6 hours later the fruits are tangy and red (some plum) with mild tannins. The oak is not too intrusive but still more than I like on Tempranillo. I like the acidity quite a lot but find this wine rather one dimensional with very little of the orange, clove spice and cigar I like on Rioja.
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Spicy, brisk - I've been drinking Riojas for years but this one's different. Has a real, not sweet, vanilla and oak finish. More complex than usual. Early call on this 10 year maturation. Huge undervalue, great buy at $25.
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Taste what others have noted, medium bodied, oak, acidity, cedar. To me it's light but pleasant. Not much of a finish. Def a few more years could make it more refined. Tannins can be felt but not bad.
Good with rich buttery carb dishes. I had grassfed steak and veggies instead. The acidity will cut thru it.
*****2nd Night Update****** Much better tonight. Finished last half the bottle and it was wonderful.
Not sure how I've ended up being so early on the write-ups for this one. The 2001 had a huge number of reviews (maybe due to the NY Times write up on Rioja). I can't directly compare the two vintages. But, compared to the Rioja that I usually find (ie not aged to this level and/or not produced to this quality level), this is a huge step up in quality. Generally I seem to be drinking a Rioja that is much rougher and much more similar to a cough syrup brand. This is smooth, well-crafted, and a total pleasure. The nose is cherry, red berry, and Asian spice with a sense of a ripe Spring day. The taste is one that builds with modest tannins, cherry, red fruit, vanilla and spice. It's not fruit forward and not dominated by alcohol. Excellent.
(note added: I did a little more reading and it may be that it was mislabeled in the Calvert Woodley computers, it said Especial, but there's many more entries for the Reserva and I don't see on the Producer's web page anything about a Especial designation, so I suspect this is actually the same as what others (about 152 others) have been commenting on)
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WSET Level 3; 1/13/2014-1/17/2014 (WSET School, London): Pronounced nose of prune, stewed strawberry, strawberry jam, vanilla. Medium acid, medium tannin, strawberry jam, chocolate, vanilla, pepper. Long finish. Very good wine.
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Clear medium brick color. Notes of cedar, oak, wet hay, medium iron. Medium to full body, with cherry, spick oak, medium acid. Interesting, but somewhat lacking in fruit.
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Meat evening at Rishon LeZion farm (Tamar & Avi (Arnoldo's patient)): Transparent red brown color Ripe cherries, Earthy leather developed tertiary aromas with smoky notes Ripe tannins, savory fruity flavors, some veggie flavors, med harmony, good acidity, long ripe cherries aftertaste
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It hits the palate immediately with sweet spicy note with a sharp bite but no significant on tongue. It ends pleasantly without heavy prolonged finish.
No need to aerate and can drink anytime.
I was drinking and comparing it w muga 2009 reserva and and muriel 2008 crianza, it seems that im now focused on exploring alta ardanza of good years.
Pulpo al ajillo and chorizo works well with it.
Paprika spicy chorizo hits palate immediately, no wonder it blended well.
My experience was nothing like the other posters. It did not taste Spanish. More like a bad French wine, barnyard, brett?, it may have had some reasonable qualities like smooth, but flavor was definitely lacking. I have two more bottles, so hopefully it was just a bad bottle
Classic Rioja. Lovely expression of the region. As old school as you can get in 2004. Love the character of the Tempranillo. The wines are powered by acidity and have wonderful movement. Good purity and classically styled. These need a lot more time. 92-94 pts.
Very good, but this bottle was also surprisingly evolved. Tasted like it was several years older than the vintage date, with secondary fruit and honey notes, wood elements and not a lot of tannin structure. Makes me wonder if this bottle is representative or not.
Just tasted a 2004 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva from Rioja, Spain. Medium crimson color turning to rust at the rim with a nose of dried herbs and leather. The palate is dry, soft and delicate with flavors of smoke, currant, suede leather and dried tarragon leaves. Finishes long, balanced and elegant with hints of tobacco leaves. Drink now until 2024.
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I ordered 8 bottles up for a NYE dinner party (lamb) but have put 7 back in the cellar after tasting the first one. It is just too early to drink this wine at the moment. It will bring pleasure. With patience it will bring delight. Wait, wait, wait [I sound like my other half]. It was an 84pt wine when I opened the bottle, and I am sure it has 96 pt potential. But it is unbalanced by tannins and smokey oak. Will serve the bottle in a few hours and see what happens. TWO DAYS LATER: this was good. It is still all deep crowded notes, with very little in the mid and upper range (leather, oak, earth, smoke, etc), and I really want that range of flavours. It is like listening to beautiful music through broken speakers: muffled bass instead of swirling stereo. And while it was still good (86pts?), I will use 2016 as a first drinking date: tho I won't last a day beyond 1 Jan 2016. It is an exciting bottle.
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Wine dinner with the Johnson's (Our lake house): Very complex wine. Recent award of #22 on WS top 100 of 2013. This wine will go for another 15 years. Earthy and spiced. Lots of mineral. It smells like Black Pepper, Cedar, Cedar, Oak, and Lead Pencil. It tastes like Forest floor, Mineral, and Stoniness. The body is Full. The wine has Leathery texture. The wine finishes Long. Great QPR. Best with food. Went well with baby back ribs and Brussels sprouts.
great Rioja example, deep colour, it has aromaitcs and great balance between extraction/wood and fruit. this Reserva can go on for a few more years. it can actually compete with Gran Reservas by unleashing nice fruits right away. a great balance between modern and classical rioja; it is easily available a nice wine does not have to be hard to access to be really enjoyable!
I'm not a huge Tempranillo fan, but this one caught my attention-- so much that I've laid a bunch down. Shared a bottle with friends over a roast pork loin with romesco sauce. Earthy, tobacco, spice notes, finished with stewed dark fruit. Great stuff. Still very much at the front end of its drinking window.
Vina ardanza knocking it out of the park again. Seriously the qpr king. Great great wine for the price. Not as lovely and inviting as the 2001 but nothing is. Slightly darker and more serious. Still classic with medium body and cherry stewed fruit leather orange n oak. This is one of the few ones worth buying in the case and aging even tho ur not a millionaire.
Old world style. Dry, muted fruit, intense flavors of soil, prunes, spices. Deep and rich. Medium but firm tannins, well integrated and perfectly balanced. (Doris loved this wine)
Orange/red at the rim, tending to mid/dark red at the centre - bright, but almost curdled nose. Fresh, layered and intense on the palate, well judged balance of sweetness and acidity, deep and evocative - really rather lovely. Plenty of life ahead, the barrel aging has developed this wine, rather than knocking the stuffing out of it. Cracking classic Rioja.
Excellent classic Rioja with an exquisite aroma of soil, leather, and mushrooms. The palate follows the nose with tobacco, soil, prune, dry fruit, and spice. This wine is well balanced with low but lively acidity and pleasant and firm tannins. It finishes beautifully with lingering cherry and plum. Don't miss it if you like an earthy, classic Rioja.
had dinner at porter house new york with joe and ruth guido. came here after reading forbes magazine recommendation. the setting was gorgeous. we were given a table by the window with a view of lower central park and central park south. joe and ruth were drinking something else so i shared this 1//2 bottle with pat. i selected this wine since rioja is getting a lot of attention lately and i wanted to guide my purchases. after coming home and researching the wine, i see that it is #22 on spectator 100 list. my tasting impressions confirm that this wine warrants much praise. it is remarkably approachable considering that the wine is intended to be cellared for at least 5 more years. i found youthful color with no variation at the edge. very expressive nose. lots of rich dark fruit. perfectly balanced. oak and tannins do not get in the way. will look for this at retail.
Spanish Temperanillo (SF Wine Trading Company): Medium center, lighter edge. Pretty, high toned perfume. Lighter weight than anything else in the flight. Subtle, delicate fruit is balanced by soil and acidity with a small hint of neutral wood at the end. What a relief to try something more classic after the more cartoonish, outsized wines.
Very green, thin and acidic. Drank over 4 hours and kept hoping the strong taste of dill would fade away; it didn't. Either this was a bad bottle or needs much more time in the cellar.
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Opens with a nose of dried figs, black cherries, Christmas cake, ginger and some fennel seed. Very intoxicating; opulent. Acidity is adequate and tanins are rich and still quite tight. Lots of backbone here. After a few hours there is a more discernible scent of leather in the background. The mid-palate can be a bit soft and fruit does not initially punch as well as the nose. Can taste a touch sour at times, though not enough to really detract. This is a rich and very enjoyable wine.
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Elegante, muito equilibrado e com boa complexidade, tendo corpo médio, bela acidez e um discreto toque picante. Esse foi no decanter e se mostrou ligeiramente mais evoluído que o anterior (10/2013). Continuará evoluindo bem e provavelmente durará até meados da próxima década.
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A combination of searing minerality and crushed blueberries evocative of a great Cornas, set against silky tannins and refined but distinct oak. This one is a winner and a great bargain. Delicious now, it will keep softening for well over a decade. Revisiting this wine a few months later, I find it even more seductive, as well as intellectually pleasing. But if you're a fruit bomber look elsewhere. That's not what this wine is about.
Russk. GC Holiday Party. My WOTN. Pablo brought. In just the right place now. Nicely proportioned. Guessed it brown bag. Completely outshined the 2001 Alta 904. Declining to 90 on day 3.
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93+ (better the first night) NOSE: Red currant, stewed strawberries, stone, earth, dry leather. PALATE: Med-plus acid (very nice), medium tannins (lush, integrated), medium body, long length. Similar flavors as scents on the nose. Went beautifully with ribeye, but this has enough acid to pair with italian dishes with lots of sauce. For $30, this is awesome. I should have bought a case.
Vanilla, sour cherry, dill, and mushroom smells and flavors dominate this wine. Medium bodied with ripe tannins. Plush and mature. The granache preserves the fruitiness while the tempranillo keeps it dry and old world in style. Nice front and mid palate, but the finish was a little sour. Acidity was a bit much, but still enjoyable.
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- klart rödbrunt utseende med medelhög intensitet - ren mogen doft med medelhög intensitet med en fruktig fatig karaktär och vaniljinslag, choklad dill - torr relativt fyllig smak med balanserad strävhet och syra. fatig fruktig karaktär med inslag av vanilj torkat frukt och dill - hög alkoholhalt med lång fatig svans - ett bra vin som dricks nu och nåt år framåt med en temp av 16 grader till en mustig köttgryta
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see previous TN recommendation: uncork at least 4 hours prior to consuming, but serve at 18c.
12 hours later, the next day: the aroma and palate improved - the aroma includes notes of smoked meat - the palate shows intense earthy notes, but lacks complexity, which was evident at all recent 4 tastings of this wine made during the last 30 days
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Saturated ruby with brick rim. I may be readily biased about this wine as the accompanying food at La Vina del Ensanche, Bilbao was excellent and I like the unpretentious, traditional style of the producer. The perfumed nose offers tobacco leaf and vanilla upfront with an array of red dried berries and various spices layered with an earthy frame. Mid weight with silky texture, with fine grained tannins while enticing and racy in its flavours. Delicate and exuberant at the same time. Great wine.
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I was a big fan of the 2001 reserva especial which was a great wine with layer after layer of subtle but complex fruit.
Just opened my first bottle of the 2004 reserva with a shoulder of lamb. A lovely red/brown brick colour and a very different wine from the 2001 - much more of a classic Rioja with lots of leather and a soft hint of cigar smoke; think traditional gentleman's club. The 20% Garnacha still provides a hint of ripe cherry fruit on the palette. I am a big fan of Rioja and this a very good example. Drinking well now, but with plenty of life left for another 10 years or so.
Very Good. Dark purple to the rim. Dusty aromas. Dry; dark fruits, earth, smoke and leather. We dd not do this justice: popped and poured and drank relatively quickly. It opened up beautifully in the glass over about half an hour. Just delicious and a real treat. <Wow/Very Good/Good/Fair/Plonk>
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Transparent red brown color Ripe cherries, Earthy leather developed tertiary aromas with smoky notes Ripe tannins, savory fruity flavors, some veggie flavors, med harmony, good acidity, long ripe cherries aftertaste
80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha. 36 meses em barricas de carvalho americano de 4 anos. 13,5% abv. Ainda meio novo, um pouco fechado. Nariz com boa fruta sutilmente madura e outras notas mais complexas ainda um pouco tímidas, tendo algo de boa madeira velha e especiarias. Muito equilibrado, de médio corpo, com excelente acidez e final de boca notavelmente longo. Trata-se de um vinho bastante elegante, que apenas começou a evoluir. Certamente merece mais alguns anos guarda.
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This wine has well integrated and complex flavors. Elements of it remind me of cherry, leather, dust, balsamic, forest, cedar and chocolate. It is tannic, drinks well in spite of that but lacks the cohesion of a completely resolved wine.
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Sweet fruit on nose and palate, and chewy for an Ardanza, though still thoroughly within a traditional frame. Hint of funk, hint of wood, much less dill and spice than the '01. Good depth. I think it shows promise, but with the amount of bottle variation you get with these, I'll have to retry sometime.
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Haven't had a Rioja in forever, and this hit the spot. Juicy cherries and musky plum along with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and spice. Medium to light on its feet, with depth and class on the nose and the finish. 90+
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Red-brown color. Smells a bit gamey, a little spicy, but has some oak and brighter notes, too - vague fruitiness and chocolate. Body is light. Great level of acidity.
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Mid-bodied. Decant this wine at least 30 min (I didn't but should have). Musty forest floor, tobacco on the nose. First sip was full of cranberries, red currants, cedar, rounding out with dark cherries, tobacco, and mulling spices. Started very tart and a tad "hot", but not too fruit forward. As it opened up and breathed, it rounded out and the richer flavors came through, but there's an underlying tartness and vague citrus quality. Can probably stand to age several more years. Great wine.
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Decanted for 30 minutes before enjoying with dinner.
On nose, earthy, leather, cherrry, cedar. Medium body, high acidity and cherry/dried cherry / cranberry flavor profile. Medium+ to long finish - great with food. Very enjoyable if you like traditional Rioja. 92+ Would buy again.
To me, this drank similarly to the '01 Reserva Especial which I rated similarly.
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The 01 reserva especial is somewhat more complex but the 04 reserva is a well made and already very drinkable- both are remarkable values and at this price worth putting a case or two away- continue to find multiple opportunities to drink and a crowd pleaser for all and often a surprise for "aficionados" who like us don't drink Rioja that often
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Light body and light color. Required about a 1 hour decant to show its stuff. Mature, elegant and tasty once it opened up with a nice fruit tannin balance. Good food wine. Pretty decent value for a mature wine.
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Let it breath for a few hours. Lovely classic Rioja nose, but a somewhat disappointing flavour/finish. Not sure if it's the bottle -hopefully not as I have another!
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Dark ruby/garnet color. Nose of tobacco, smoke, oak, cherries, plums and some minerals. On the palate there are notes of cherries and plums again, licorice, leather, earth and tobacco. Medium-full body and medium+ acidity and tannins. Very long finish. Great mix of traditional Rioja flavor profile and structure but with some more density and extraction. Still pretty young but I'm sure this will age into something very beautiful... especially considering the great value.
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Classic old-school Rioja nose and color. Instantly recogziable as an old world Rioja, and very similar to other LRA wines.
This is a lighter bodied wine with bright and refreshing acidity. Almost citrus like. Tannins not too agressive, but will smooth out with another couple of years.
Great drinking now. The more wine like this I drink, the less I like Napa wine...
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-klart vin med rödbrun färgnyans och medelhög intensitet -doften är ren mogen med medelhög doft och fruktig fatig karaktär med vanilj torkad frukt choklad och dill - smaken är torr fruktigt fatigt vin som är relativt fyllig med balanserad strävhet och syra med inslag av vanilj torkad frukt och dill alkoholstyrkan känns mer än den verkligen är och eftersmaken är lång och fatig - det är ett bra vin som gärna drickes nu men kan sparas 4-5 år. bör serveras svalt, 16grader. och en lite smakrikare pizza med en god salami är inte helt fel
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On the nose at the beginning leather then red fruits , tobacco , spices , I have served it at a low temperature then usual but as suggested from the producer , about 16 C. Medium bodied , good acidity , nice length , tannins are integrated but it needs a year or two for reach the top.
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Popped n poured. Nose of bright red fruits, spice, earth and new oak. On the palate black pepper, tobacco, oak, red cherry, cranberry, light earth and pencil lead. A nice vein of minerality makes it food friendly. Medium bodied Rioja. Went well with pancetta ravioli and red sauce. Fine now but has plenty of time to develop further. Open next bottle in a year or three.
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Classic Rioja with some years ahead of it, a little bricking and some secondary flavours already. Not a blockbuster but a lovely wine made in an authentic style, with tobacco, red fruit, earth. It may be slightly rough around the edges but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I decanted this wine for 2 hours, and it still needs more time. It has some rough edges -- tannin and acid, but in a few years all the pieces should be integrated, and the wine will be smooth and delicious. Right now I taste some herbs, spice, vanilla and a touch of oak. I agree the 2001s taste better now, but they also have 3 years on the 2004s. In 3 years this wine will be a rock star. I have 2 bottles left, and they are going away for at least 3 years.
Dark with a little bricking on the edge. Aromas somewhat muted and this vintage suffers in comparison to the fantastic 2001s I've been sampling. Plum and dried cherry on the palate, no secondary flavors yet, just a hint of tannin, really smooth with some acidity but I don't get the feeling that this has the bones for the very long haul. Is this the new face of Ardanza?
Personally I would stock up on the 2001 vintage of Rioja, which are still widely available and will outlive me in all likelihood.
Customer Appreciation Tasting (Bin 75): Lighter crimson, some bricking; ripe red fruits, almost overripe, followed by some dill, and vanilla; interesting but I would rather buy the 904 or the entry level.
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3rd 375ml. I've really enjoyed this bottling. Still quite youthful with a prominent smokey oak streak, but has plenty of dried red fruit, spice, tobacco leaf, meat and smoke. Oak was a little more prominent on this bottle. Moderately long finish finish with fine tannins showing. Still a solid value, larger formats will likely need a few years before opening.
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Tasting Notes from trip to Rioja; 7/5/2013-7/12/2013: A hint of barnyard, oak and cedar notes. Smooth, silky and rounded mouthfeel. Carries more weight than the Arana 2005 and better acidity. Much longer finish and the smokiness persist nicely. Very nice, elegant.
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This was interesting to taste, because as excellent as it was, it definitely showed what the producer was thinking when they decided to tag the '01 as a Reserva Especial while designating this one a "mere" Reserva. (I do know that people have reported very mixed experiences with the '01, but mine have been great.) The '04 is made in a similarly bold style (without breaking into the "modern Rioja" idiom) but just isn't quite as rich or complete or as round. It's robust and shows some rugged tannin, with the fruit consequently not being as full and saturating as in the '01. It also showed a touch of volatile acidity which might not end up being a real problem but was a slightly annoying nit. Nevertheless, for some classic tempranillo flavors on a big, muscular frame, this is really good (and a nice value).
Maybe its too young, or maybe its just the post 2001 approach that LRA is taking, but this is a bigger profile wine than traditional Ardanza. Deeper colour, denser texture, more pronounced alcohol.
Interestingly, we tried it over a couple of nights, and with different glasses on both nights. On first pour, into a Riedl glass, it had a nose of cherry and kirsch, more pronounced on the fruit, not at all what I would pin as traditional Rioja. We then switched to INAO tasting glasses, because I just had the feeling that "something wasn't right". At that moment the fruit practically disappeared, and it was like being walloped in the face with vanilla. Masses of it.
I have to say I found the palate somewhat flat. Not at all like the '04 I had last year at a restaurant, which continued the fruit-forward profile onto the palate. Bottle variation? I don't know, I've got a few so I'd hazard a guess at waiting a couple of years for the next one.
Opened one hour in advance. Aromas of berry and spice. Restrained flavors of tobacco, earth and red fruits. Lovely, lingering finish. Delicious, somewhat reserved, but with lovely flavors, excellent balance and some complexity. Wish I'd been able to give it more air time, we'll see what day 2 brings.
Pretty straight forward wine. Not special, not average. Ok for mid week but I found a little rustic for my taste. May improve with time. Good fruit just a little simple.
80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha There has been a slight change in style in this wine following on from the 2001 vintage. While the Tempranillo is aged for 3 years in 4 yr old casks the Garnacha now spends less time in oak (30months in younger used oak) to maintain freshness in that variety. They say it’s the Garnacha that makes the Ardanza special. I have now tried this vintage 4 times and barring one corked bottle it has been very impressive. Really lovely nose, spice, forest floor, old wood, old wardrobe. The fruit seems to be more on the red spectrum than the other wines. Impressive.
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La Rioja Alta (La Rioja Alta, Haro, Rioja): Up to 25% Garnacha this year (it’s not always good enough quality to make the grade for Ardanza). Quite tight, focused, raspberry spice nose. Change of style with the 2001 – fresher, less oak for the garnacha. Similar on palate, great red fruit and acidity. Again, a vibrancy. Long and persistent. **(**)
Tannin, not much fruit, no length, not your average rioja - not even average.... Have one more from the "Buy two" deal at the merchant. Always a reason for offers!!
very pale red n - strawbs very dry, lots of acidity, citric, oranges, leather long, t. nuttiness a bit austere but so much potential. Like a really good young Burgundy Opens up beautifully after an hour or two open
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Nose is traditional Rioja, spice, tea, leather. On the palate it's still quite fruity and even a touch 'glossy'. Drinking well now but I think a few more years will make it better and it will last another 20 easily. A taste of another bottle at a merchants was much more traditional, lots of sweet fruit and old oak and the bottle previous to this was corked. I found a lot of variability with the 01, I wonder if this vintage will be the same. Though that would be a rash judgement on the basis of 3 bottles!
Quite a tight nose, maybe a hint if cherry and cherry tomato juice. Quite elegant with good acidity and a bit of grip. The fruit inspire and sweet with spicy cherry fruit and a creaminess that develops with time in the glass.
Woah, this is showing some serious oak right now. Creamy, dill, cedary oak with mocha tones. There is some cherry fruit here, but it is not prominent. Also lacks the layers and the complexities of good Rioja. I think this needs about ten years in the cellar. A 1998 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 a few months ago showed much more nuance, complexity and breed than this wine. Some air did allow the oak to recede, but the cherry fruit that surfaced as the oak receded was not especially compelling. This is young and this is oaky. It may develop into something exceptional, but my bottles are not seeing the light of day for about a decade. Try again in ten years.
Rioja-Pink, White and Red (San Francisco Wine Trading Company): Medium ruby core. Spicy oak aromatics. Light weight, smoky red fruit and ground coffee. Slightly astringent finish now, but this is good and should round out with a few more years in bottle.
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(375ml) Smokey leather nose with some dark briary fruit. Palate has a core of pleasant red fruits with a slight tartness and saddle leather. Moderate finish with a bit of earth and mocha working it's way in. Has a nice energetic cut, but still enough lushness of the fruit to coat the palate nicely. Drinking well now, I have no idea how this will age (if it will) but it's drinking nicely now.
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From 375ml. Knockout nose of a little petrol, oak barrel, tobacco, and sour cherry. Palate is rather finely delineated, with sour red fruits mixed with some mature tobacco leaf and cedar elements. Moderate length finish, if a little thin. Lithe, medium concentration, but fantastic food wine and an incredibly intoxicating nose. Drinking well enough now but should age on it's acidity over the next 5yrs or so.
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A bit light bodied for me, even more than I expected, not much flavor to it. Had better Rojas's for less. Maybe just opened too soon. Parkers 93 rating baffles me a bit on this one.
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- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's in total harmony with a medium/full body. Satin-Like texture with a long finish - This was just a superb bottle of very great juice! Great elegance with a very long finish. Believe it or not, it would have been even better if it stayed in the glass another 25 to 30 minutes, but no way that was going to happen. Have to go buy more!
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Classically styled rioja, young and somewhat tannic. Fruit is quite vibrant and expressive with dried cherries, spice, black tea. Better than the 01 Reserva Especial earlier this month.
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My favourites in the Estación quarter (Barrio de la Estación- Haro - Rioja): Brilliant cherry colour turning to brownish. Quite evolved already. This is young but has a rich nose full of Rioja aromas. On the palate maintains the same characters of this vintage, so needing time to show its real beauty. To repeat but never before 2018.
Color picota brillante girando hacia amarronados. Bien evolucionado ya. Es joven pero tiene una rica nariz lleno de las aromas a Rioja. En boca mantiene lis mismos caracteres de la añada, así que necesita tiempo para enseñar su autentica belleza. Para repetir pero nunca antes de 2018.
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Sunday with Warso: Med to full bodied with dark and stewed fruit, Cocoa, licorice, leather and some green, brushy notes with a nice acidic spine. A very nice bottle of wine.
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Great value wine that embodies much of what makes Rioja great. Light in color, but big in flavor. Blends cherry flavor with just the right amount of leather and oak.
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3/29/2024 - Paul D Likes this wine: 91 Points
3/6, good cork. Decanted and immediately served.
Medium/deep ruby/garnet core, pale rim.
Nose shows sweet red and black fruit, quite black-toned actually, vanilla, spice, plus some smoke and cedar with time in glass. Medium bodied, sweet red and black fruit on initial entry, round, soft tannins, cedar, some spice and savour, lovely vibrant acids carry a good length finish with a note of leather and just a touch of sandiness right at the tail end. Excellent though, drinking very nicely though there’s no hurry.
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3/24/2024 - kingkanu wrote:
Plenty of incense and spice over the dark cherry fruit. Needs a little more time for full maturity
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1/23/2024 - Alaskawino Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still complex and balanced on day two. Minimal tannins are the only downside. Decanted 3 hours prior on day one.
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12/12/2023 - Alaskawino Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great 20 years of maturity. Balanced fruit and tobacco with some spice. After a 4 hour decanting the acid and tannins are there for support. Try a 5-6 hour decanting next.
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5/28/2023 - Gcashman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Velvety tannins, spice box, leather.
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5/15/2023 - Nick72wine wrote: 92 Points
Just a lovely Ardanza Reserva , it still needs time to open up..splash decanted for 4 hours before it opened up.
Lots or cherry and cedar and herbs on the nose , just a nice balance between the fruit and melded oak notes...fine tannins are seamlessly integrated bright acidity gives a nice lift to the wine...good length and good Juice.
It's ready to go but if you do open soon no pop'n pour...will last easily another 5 years.
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4/21/2023 - SLR204 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needs a decant. Baked cherry, spices, rhubarb, cranberry, herbs, earth and graphite. Nose includes red fruits, flowers, tomato plant. Smooth texture, tannins resolved. Delicious now no need to wait. Has a few years left.
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4/16/2023 - Gas Station Wine Guy Likes this wine: 90 Points
A great bottle for the dough. At peak drink these up.
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4/9/2023 - Jimothy Brown Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking now - but still a few years left I’d say. Quite herbal, menthol surprisingly. Went well with paella day one and roast lamb day two.
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3/10/2023 - Vinomane wrote:
Punky cork requiring Durand to open. Rhubarb nose. Appearance fine but a struggle to drink. Dried out, with no appealing quality primary, secondary, or tertiary. Storage maybe suboptimal given stronger competitors for the coolest and darkest spots. Three more remaining, all acquired and handled identically to this one. So judgment reserved until the next specimen comes to bat.
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1/14/2023 - WineGuyX Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lovely nose of baked black cherries, charred wood, roasting meat and grilled herb switches. Baking spices and pepper. Bay leaf. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate. The finish has a tug of gritty tannin and there's bright acidity. Quite lovely and mature! Drink now-2026+ 93
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1/1/2023 - empire80 Likes this wine: 93 Points
From a magnum. This is in a wonderful place, still some sappy cherry fruit, exotic spice, leather and cedarwood. So much going on, this is wonderful to sip on its own or enjoy with roast lamb. Probably one of the best value for quality in the world!?
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11/4/2022 - Valaprop Likes this wine: 94 Points
Even better than the last bottle I had. Appears to be in its prime -- it would be shocking if this wine were to get even better. QPR is just remarkable. Unlike my last bottle, the cork on this was perfect. So was the fruit, the length, the balance and the finish. So much going on in this ca. $30 wine. Wonderful complement to some great grilled prime strip steaks.
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10/17/2022 - Chris Jephcott Likes this wine: 94 Points
One of my absolute favourites - a gorgeous aged Rioja from one of the famous Rioja Bodegas and it’s a treat.
Aromas of oak, vanilla, leather and cherry with a hint of smoke
Taste: Rioja perfection. Evolves beautifully with air time, initially wood and oak, moving into vanilla and cigar box before the red fruit erupts like a dance on the tongue. Chocolate and pepper background notes throughout the entire development.
Perfection. Beautiful. Lovely wine.
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9/23/2022 - 560 B&W Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really delightful. Oak fully integrated and everything in balance. 13.5% outstanding QPR
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8/29/2022 - empire80 Likes this wine: 92 Points
From a bottle (sound cork). Textbook mature rioja, loads going on, very complete and simply gorgeous with roast shoulder of lamb. Perfect now but no great rush.
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8/20/2022 - Nerdy Earth Boy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark cherry perhaps a bit sweet but really improved over time becoming velvety smooth and luscious. Delightful on a Summer evening.
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7/22/2022 - Bomb Cellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Quite lovely. Not as musty as I expected. Paired very well with the paella.
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7/20/2022 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Drinking very well.
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7/13/2022 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl, inferior cork got destroyed on extraction, decanted 1 hour. Musty , volatile-oaky smell got less offensive as the wine rose to room temperature (Tondonia fetishists might prefer to cool it right down again to get that fungal fix). Lush, plush, plummy fruit on the entry and mid-palate, a lot less attractive than the bright redcurrant/cranberry I remember from the 2001 and hope for from the 2010. Nice velvety texture. No hurry, at least: not if your bottles turn out to have better corks in them than mine did. 88-89P
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3/7/2022 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine:
Ruby colored and garnet edging. Dark nose of burnt caramel, plums, black cherry, mushrooms and cloves. A touch of animal fur as well. The palate was bright with a basket of red fruits, citrus overtones and spiciness. Very well structured - round with silty tannins on the front tongue and gums. Delicious.
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2/14/2022 - Herschel Krustofski wrote: flawed
From Coravin. Suspected corked (wet cardboard). On the off chance that some of the musty off-putting aromas will blow away, we left it to breath some more and after nearly two hours poured the two glasses down the drain. I am wondering if I should take the opportunity to ditch the Coravin needle after likely contact with TCA-tainted wine (any thoughts?).
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1/22/2022 - Wildgrant Likes this wine:
Unusual flavours, a bit of plum overlain with galoshes. Served with beef fajitas.
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12/26/2021 - moods wrote: 91 Points
Drinking very nicely right now. Soft lush palate. Bright red berry fruits. Supple.
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10/31/2021 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl, good cork, decanted 1 hour. Sharp volatile american oak smell with some cellar mould—perhaps a longer decant might have helped. Sour, strongly oaky-acid entry; nice bright red-fruited midpalate as expected. if this wasn't traditional Rioja I might suspect a minor cork fault, but perhaps this is just my "Tondonia allergy" speaking. 88-89P?
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9/10/2021 - brianngibson wrote: 94 Points
Last bottle of 6. And it was singing. Really caught me by surprise just how good it was.
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9/10/2021 - bobadopolis Likes this wine: 94 Points
This bottle was in a great place. 45 minute decant then delicious. Red fruit, spice, herbs, earth. Great finish. Fantastic wine
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7/2/2021 - Mnawacki Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking beautifully, lush and savoury on the palette with a complex red fruit core with hints of vanilla, spice and leather. Smooth and rounded, no awkwardness and no need to wait any longer with these...short decant of 30 minutes and this was absolutely singing. But alas, another broken cork...what gives Ardanza??
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6/19/2021 - forceberry wrote: 93 Points
A blend of Tempranillo (80%) form 30-yo vines and Garnacha (20%) from old vineyards planted at high altitudes in La Rioja Baja. Fermented and macerated in stainless steel, aged in stainless steel tanks until April 2005. The Tempranillo wines were aged for 36 months in American oak barriques averaging 4 years old and the Garnacha wines were aged for 30 months in 2nd and 3rd use American oak barrels. Blended and bottled in December 2008. 13,6% alcohol, 5,9 g/l acidity, pH 3,62 and 0,81 g/l VA.
Moderately translucent, dark cherry-red color. Sweet-toned, somewhat restrained and quite nuanced nose with reticent aromas of wizened figs and sweet black cherries, some dried aromatic herbs, a little bit of vanilla oak, light oxidative nuances of savory meatiness, a hint of woody oak and a touch of old leather. The wine is dry, firm and moderately full-bodied on the palate with quite powerful flavors of dark plums and sour cherries, some vanilla oak, a little bit of fragrant new leather, light ferrous notes of blood, spicy hints of dried dill and peppery spice and a sweeter touch of ripe red-toned fruit. The overall feel is pretty tightly-knit and structure-driven with the high acidity and ample tannins that at first feel quite ripe and gentle, but the start to pile up on the gums quite quickly, turning the wine relatively stern and grippy. The finish is long, dry and gently bitter with a little bit of alcohol warmth and quite bold flavors of ripe dark plums, sour cherry bitterness, some tart lingonberries, a little bit of vanilla oak and savory wood spice, light leathery notes, a hint of dried dill and a touch of stony minerality.
A still very firm, structured and relatively tightly-knit vintage of Ardanza. The overall feel here seems a bit reticent compared to the bottle I had a few years ago (June 2017), so the wine might be now in some sort of closed phase. The tannins also seemed to have resolved a little bit, but not much - the overall impression is still quite firm and moderately grippy. Although the wine is drinking pretty nicely right now, I really can't understand for the life of me how somebody could think this is an "old" or "fully mature" Rioja, since the wine is still very similar to a freshly released vintage of Ardanza and is yet to show very little if any evolved qualities - in my books this wine is still brimming with potential for future development and is still decades away from its peak. A wine like this ages on a geological time scale and requires tons of age before it starts to actually exhibit any mature qualities. Still an impressive vintage of Ardanza and with the 2007 vintage this was my favorite in our mini-vertical of Ardanza 2004-2008. A fine wine that can be left in a cellar for ages.
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5/9/2021 - ccarter5181 wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour (little sediment). Took a few minutes to open up. Excellent textbook Rioja that is reaching maturity. No sign of decline but probably won't get much better.
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5/8/2021 - dhogan68 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice, love when it comes together. Primary flavors hung around from the jump through a pretty long finish. The balance and complexity come immediately to mind as the stand out but the pronounced aromas linger in my brain from two weeks earlier. Didn’t have to get glass past check to start smell just cherry, red plum and then black fruits, dried fruits, some slightly baked like pie, fig herbs leather, char,spice clove. In a perfect world it would be little more red and blue fruit and a touch less plum but that’s just me. It was wonderful and kept wanting more, consumed with ribeye, sweet potato chorizo mix and quinoa then more or it alone for dessert. Still has some years left but don’t think it is getting any better. 5/6/2021
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4/27/2021 - jvipperm Likes this wine:
One of us liked it. The other was neutral. Hints of wood. Mayne cedar and lighter woods. Not Oaky.
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4/3/2021 - empire80 Likes this wine: 92 Points
From a magnum. At it peak, textbook mature old school rioja.
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3/21/2021 - legarejm Likes this wine: 93 Points
In a really good place right now. Well balanced and integrated rounded tannins with decent acidity. Leather, cherry, oaky vanilla, herbs, cola, dark chocolate, earthy. Really nice depth and complexity. Medium-long finish. Drink now.
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3/7/2021 - Nick oakwood wrote: 92 Points
This wine is shining! Good effort, well developed tertiar leathery flavors with long lasting finish. Still vivid in all regards. Enough acid to last at least some years. Worth it!
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2/20/2021 - Swirling wrote: 91 Points
My last bottle.
Bottle breathe: Opened at noon, poured out 250ml into a small 250ml sized bottle and let both bottle stand.
At 17:30 this is now drinking beautifully.
Nose: leather, spices and spices and spices, earthy, vanilla, red fruit
Palate: medium bodied, sour cherry, med length.
At 19:30 now also getting orange peel, and longer length.
Put it back in the fridge for a short time to get it down to the right temp. Perfect. Seems 7 hours of bottle breathe did the trick.
Great wine, definitely needed the airing to help it express itself.
Really wasted my earlier bottles when decanting in decanter just doesn’t yield the same results - it was still good vanilla and fruit but certainty did not get the wow factor of spices and the complexity.
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1/1/2021 - sjecrawford Likes this wine: 90 Points
Agree with the most recent review. Fully mature with pronounced leathery notes with some spice and residual sweet red fruit. A little thin on the mid palate although tannins still in evidence with a little grip to round out mouthfeel. Slightly woody on the finish but length is good. Great value as always..
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12/29/2020 - Cochon74 wrote:
In a good place for drinking...
My notes are impressionistic. While the fruit was healthy, but subdued, this exhibited a fair amount of lively acidity and pleasant leathery notes. Not quite as complex as I expected or hoped... and exhibiting a strong oak component which somehow worked with this robust, intense, yet medium-bodied wine.
I loved the 2001, which I feel drank much differently and more harmoniously - and I feel this has largely informed my impressions of the 04.
Still, enjoyable and exemplary of the style.
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12/25/2020 - JayP Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bought this 6 years ago (Mag) and what a good buy. It was delicious with the Christmas Turkey. Everything an old school Rioja should be. I have no more of 2004 but if you have any I would drink now if in 75cl or over next 2 years if in mag.
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12/15/2020 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still drinking nicely. Shorter finish but smooth.
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11/7/2020 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistently delicious wine. Earthy cherries and dark red fruits with notes of tobacco and mushroom. Great acidity makes this wine clean and light across the profile without an overly weighty mid-palate that this fruit could express.
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10/10/2020 - fc1910 wrote: 91 Points
If you have to join some family business, most of them wine-analphabets, you have to manage a whole evening, food is fine, so what to do? There is only one solution: BYO! Best from Mag!
So pnp this bottle, accidentally thought I took a 2001, but now it is this bottle,
very intense fragrance, ripe, delicious fruit, some balsamic tones,
very good grip right from the start, as always Rioja is great to pair food, the supporting acid, the spice, needs some time to blossom in the open bottle, delicate fruit flow, elegance all the way, lingering finish, and the best for me, so young appearance still, fine wine and Mag(+) bottle size is always the very best choice!
Enjoy from now on with a decent decant, but can easily be hold another decade+, **(*-****), around 91,92(+) potential
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10/10/2020 - Valaprop Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bad cork, but drinking just fine. Good balance and plenty of life ahead. The Ardanza from 2004 has offered very good quality for the price. I don't think the '04 is quite at the level of the '01, which was a ridiculously good wine at or anywhere near its price point.
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10/1/2020 - bluepeter2020@outlook.com wrote: 92 Points
from Wine-Searcher
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9/27/2020 - Tudz Drkl Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic, earthy and herbal notes. Mushroom, dark cherries, and leather. Long finish with excellent complex herbs and vegeta notes.
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9/27/2020 - Tudz Drkl wrote: 92 Points
Beautifully integrated wine, cherries and dark red fruits and earthy notes, possibly licorice and herbs. Great acidity and mouth filling, soft tannins, with a long finish. Paired with simply grilled lamb which really accented the flavors.
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9/20/2020 - CWilliam wrote:
PNP and paired with grilled salmon (nice pairing).
Orange / red color - showing age but not a lot of sediment. Orange rind, sweet tobacco, sweet cherry, and red currants on nose - palate similar. Great mixture of savory and sweet. Medium body, medium+ acidity, integrated tannins and very long finish. Excellent. 92-93
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8/27/2020 - guzmana Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful wine!
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7/29/2020 - Harley1199 Likes this wine:
First of six. Case bought at the winery eight years ago. After so many mediocre Rioja wines, I already wanted to gather again with a bottle of Ardanza that seemed to be rescued from the past. A wine that is in its real place from the beginning with that crystalline crimson colour with orange edges. On the nose it is spectacular, filling the dining room completely with aromas of flesh, sandalwood, leather, blood orange peel, tobacco leaf, intermingled sweet and spicy spices, ... truly inspiring. Coconut and dill are missing in action. Velvety on the palate with a perfect balance between its medium body structure and a vivid acidity. Medium persistence and a delicious aftertaste. All Rioja is about. Extraordinary. Definitely 2004 is going to be one of my favorite vintages for Ardanza ever. I'll treasure the rest of the bottles under seven seals.
Primera de una caja de seis comprada en la bodega hace ocho años. Después de tantos vinos mediocres de rioja ya tenía ganas de reencontrarme con una botella de Ardanza que pareciera rescatada del pasado.
Un vino que está en su sitio desde un comienzo con ese cristalino color carmesí con ribetes anaranjados.
En nariz es espectacular, inhundando completamente el comedor con aromas a carne fresca, sándalo, cuero, piel de naranjas sanguinas, hoja de tabaco, especias dulces y picantes entremezcladas, ... realmente inspirador. El coco y el eneldo han desaparecido en combate.
Aterciopelado al paladar con un perfecto equilibrio entre su estructura de cuerpo medio y una vívida acidez. Persistencia media y delicioso retrogusto. Justo de lo que trata un Rioja. Extraordinaria. Definitivamente 2004 va a ser una de mis añadas favoritas para Ardanza. Atesoraré el resto de botellas bajo siete llaves.
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7/14/2020 - chaos Likes this wine: 93 Points
Enjoyed this immensely. Great structure. Integrated oak. Cherry notes. Need to stock up up on a current vintage.
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7/1/2020 - Snowryeder Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking very well now and will last for a few more years. Dark berries and delicate earth flavors. Good acidity.
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6/21/2020 - Milos Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark red colour not admitting its age. Forward dark red fruit with herbal notes in the background drifting into earthy notes. Great balance on the palate; dark fruit flavours and intensity offset by Burgundy like sour cherry acidity and weightlessness. What is there not to like? Drinks well now but has years to evolve.
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6/21/2020 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour. Rich, much darker than I remembered, or my previous TNs suggest. Can this really be the same wine? There seems to be more ripe, juicy Garnacha and less astringent old-oak treated Tempranillo than expected, in Lopez de Heredia terms this would definitely be Cubillo and not Tondonia. But perhaps this is all "bottle variation" (aka what happens when the same wine is put in bottles closed with corks of wildly inconsistent quality and left for well over a decade to see what happens...) This bottle survived the cork lottery very well and was at or perhaps just over peak maturity this evening. 89-90P
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6/10/2020 - guzmana Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent. Consistent with prior notes.
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5/30/2020 - Thefatbastard wrote:
Dernière bouteille... Très très boisé.... Pas super.
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5/19/2020 - Bro Likes this wine: 92 Points
Avons dégusté la dernière bouteille, du millésime 2004, de ce vin d'exception, avec un magret de canard assorti d'un risotto aux champignons ... C'était magique ! ...
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5/18/2020 - EricLi wrote: 89 Points
Fruit in fading. Still enjotable. Time to drink up.
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5/16/2020 - ppandian wrote: 89 Points
This was a 2007. Notes of vanilla, tobacco and strawberry. Strong yet balanced tannins.
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5/13/2020 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit and leather with a hint of tart dried cherry (citrus?) finish. Another reviewer commented correctly that the wine is vibrant. Drinking well.
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5/9/2020 - Bro Likes this wine: 92 Points
Mon coup de coeur des derniers mois ... Un vin dense et légèrement briqué ... Beaucoup de fruits noirs et un peu de noix de coco ... Une grande finale !
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4/26/2020 - Gas Station Wine Guy Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine took a few hours to open up but had red fruits, a noticeable spiciness with higher acidity, some leathery notes, subtle orange rinds with lots of minerals. This is a great bottle that has held up well.
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4/23/2020 - honest bob wrote: 91 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 1 hour, best after 2 hours. As 50% of my bottles of this wine thus far have had brittle, decaying or completely ruined corks, it's a relief to open one in prime condition. Lighter than the Tondonia Reserva 2001 tasted yesterday, more acidic, brighter red-fruited zing, more resonant, vibrant and palate-cleansing. In this condition no hurry and a bargain. But the fact that LRA tolerates such a high cork failure rate is a real problem, not to mention a waste of good wine. 91P
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4/20/2020 - golby24 wrote: 90 Points
The legs are slow. It smells like red currant, plum and mineral.
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3/21/2020 - studleytrey Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bricking garnet color. Aromas of dark and dark red fruits, mushroom, earth, black tea, cedar, licorice, and graphite. Medium body and acid, long finish, and flavors of sour cherry, black cherry, blueberry, orange peel, lemon, spice, and minerals. This is great tonight with carnitas.
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2/17/2020 - Paul D wrote: 89 Points
2/6, excellent cork. Decanted 1.5 hours, #700,376.
Medium/deep ruby/garnet, pale rim. Nose is aromatic, fresh, mainly red fruited (strawberry), vanilla, coconut, dill. Medium bodied, creamy red fruit, vanilla, spice, quite linear with very fine tannins, vibrant acidity and a good length finish. Correct if not all that exciting on this occasion.
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1/27/2020 - brasstab wrote: flawed
Corked. And I’m bummed.
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1/1/2020 - empire80 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic old school rioja from a magnum. Perfect with a roast leg of herdwick hogget.
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12/26/2019 - JayP Likes this wine: 91 Points
Much improved on last christmas. Very typical and full of fruit. Last one for next Christmas perhaps!
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12/13/2019 - Bryan49 wrote: 92 Points
Served with smoked pork shoulder. Best bottle yet. 1-2 years? before fading - tannins / acidity are nicely resolved and the fruit is refined.
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11/25/2019 - WbstrSt wrote: 90 Points
Good aged rioja but nothing special. Light bodied and medium finish. Black cherry, grass, sous bois, and pepper.
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11/11/2019 - Quarked wrote: 88 Points
On first night, this showed too much dill for my taste, the tannins were too drying. By second night this was more pleasant.
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10/22/2019 - Too much practice. Likes this wine: 89 Points
Rosemary. I swear I (think I) tasted rosemary this time. Brilliant. Why don’t we get more rosemary in wine? Brilliant Ardanza as ever. And with frazzles it tastes of rosemary!
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10/20/2019 - Brown Coat wrote: flawed
Lost bottle to a fall
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10/20/2019 - Gcashman wrote: 88 Points
Tart cherry, spices, leather, very dry on the finish with a bitter note.
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10/12/2019 - dresden wrote: 94 Points
drinking Wonderfully now.
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10/10/2019 - kingkanu wrote:
Drinking nicely, rich plummy fruit, nice leather tones, medium high acid, a lick of tannin and a savoury finish. Lovely stuff
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10/4/2019 - studleytrey Likes this wine: 92 Points
1st of 2 for me. Thinking this may be a little past prime, as the fruit seems a little faded, but it's really nice for my palate and the nose is fantastic. Medium (+) garnet color, no bricking. Aromas of dark and dark red fruits, flowers, earth, graphite, cedar, anise, dry spice drawer, and wet stone. Medium body and finish, medium (+) acid, and flavors of dark and dark red fruits, sour cherry, lemon, iron, and minerals. I'm quite enjoying this. 92+
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9/22/2019 - Mnawacki Likes this wine: 91 Points
Paired with bison Babette, supposedly the '04 was a very good year in Rioja, and this presumably helped this wine land #22 on the WS Top 100 in 2013 (which is when I picked up a bunch of these). Drinking very nicely, though noticeably an older wine at this point, some dustiness on the nose upon opening (and a broken cork...argh). Cherry, figs, and cedar notes on the nose. Medium weight and finish, tannins super soft now but still a relatively high acidity that lingers quite long on the palette. Tastes like eating a mixed bowl of sweet and sour cherries paired with espresso coffee and a bit of tobacco. Not particularly heavy but the acidity made it super food friendly.
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9/21/2019 - flussier Likes this wine: 91 Points
Robe cerise évoluée. Vin avec une belle complexité sur les fruits noirs, terre, boisé, réglisse et le tabac. Vin assez lourd qui s’apprête bien avec les viandes. Très bon en ce moment, mais peut vieillir encore quelques années.
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6/10/2019 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 93 Points
On PnP, nose was old and musty but the palate was great and very similar to my 2017 tasting note with a little bit more reserved red fruit.
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5/10/2019 - ManuKey Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent et à point! Sur la boite à épices, les cerises séchés, les fleurs séchés, en bouche le boisé est complètement digéré, le tout est dirigé par une belle acidité, sur des tanins fondus et lisses. Belle longueur qui s'étire en pallier. 90-91 pts.
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5/6/2019 - Peter-Luke Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ce vin a été consommé en même temps qu'un El Vinculo reserva 2005. Les deux se ressemblent beaucoup. Or, vina Ardanza est peut-être un peut moins intense. Mais c'est pratiquement semblable. On retrouve toutes les particularités d'un vin espagnol tipique. Excellent.
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4/30/2019 - OttawaB Likes this wine: 92 Points
same as before. A really nice bottle, in a good place now.
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4/3/2019 - CourtlyDoc Likes this wine: 95 Points
On the nose, dark fruits and forest floor and leaf mold. On the palate, it enters with a delicious, smooth, medium mouthfeel. On the palate, dark fruits predominate with just the barest hint of mocha. Medium to long finish. Delicious with tortellini and fried chicken over sauteed spinach, with drizzled pesto. And garlic toast. We love good tempranillo!
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3/10/2019 - merryberry wrote: 88 Points
Wet cedar and moldy nose. Uh oh. Light to medium bodied, soft dry tannins, sage, white pepper, cherries that keep building throughout the palate, and a short to medium finish. No longer great, but still good despite the nose.
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2/23/2019 - OttawaB Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasty, old school, but not heavy on the oak. Smooth. Medium acid, pot pourri, cedar, dried berry fruits.
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2/19/2019 - maxima wrote: 88 Points
Mieux que le 2005, plus approchable
et équilibré même si le boisé se fait encore sentir.
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2/19/2019 - maxima wrote: 87 Points
Jeune et boisé encore.
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2/19/2019 - Crispin Likes this wine: 91 Points
ageing Rioja with enough balance between old and new style. Improves every year - will last forever.
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1/11/2019 - Derrik Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful, flowery bouquet of sweet Malt, Caramel, earthy tones and a sour cherry note.
Also mature notes of tobacco and leather, which integrate perfectly.
Beautifully elegant and balanced on the palate, wonderfully concise
through the typically classic long barrel extension without Severity.
Carrying acid, supple tanin, a dream rioja.
Great Winemaker, traditional style.
Goes over to a final stage of maturity.
Drink! It won‘t improve anymore.
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12/26/2018 - JayP Likes this wine: 88 Points
If honest a tad disappointed with this, especially after drinking exactly the same wine in Magnum a year ago and loving it. Went well with Xmas day Turkey but was initially quite muddled or muddied in taste, maybe even a tiny bit sharp/tart - but not in a tannic way. Next day I was hoping it would have mellowed but actually had become both very jammy and slightly sharper. Maybe slightly corked?
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12/8/2018 - df1962 wrote: 93 Points
PnD let air for 2hrs.
Consistent with previous notes so much complexity and finesse. Lots of life ahead. Delicious and an amazing value for a bench mark world classic.
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12/5/2018 - Vinomane wrote: 87 Points
Nose is all traditional dusty barnyard, leather, blackberry playing with cherry. But oak and acid dominate the palate, with these plus unpleasant alcoholic heat on the finish. Maybe just in a troubled adolescent phase today. Will try again in 2+ years. For now, no better than 87 and no grounds for projection of future improvement.
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12/3/2018 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl, inferior spongey cork disintegrated into a dozen pieces during extraction, most of them falling into the bottle. My advice: Don't list this wine if you are running a restaurant... The wine was OK, though: Initially crudely over-USA-oaked, after an hour in the decanter it gradually settled down and showed as a ripe, seriously-oaked, mature old-school Rioja Alta should. Strong acidity, slightly darker fruit, more friendly and powerful than LdH Tondonia (perhaps nearer to Bosconia) definitely more old school than Muga Reserva. Oh, did I mention the American oak? 88-89P
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11/23/2018 - Gcashman wrote: 91 Points
Not as good as the last bottle; tart cherry, spice box, just not as expressive or refined as the last bottle.
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11/4/2018 - Sir-Harrie wrote: 92 Points
Nach wie vor ein grandioser Wein. Zunächst etwas verhalten, entwickelt er sich zu einem sehr großem Wein. In der Nase fruchtig nach Kirsche. Im Mund harmonisch eingebundene Tannine, Frucht nach Kirsche, etwas Heidelbeere. Am Gaumen etwas Cassis, schöner Abgang.
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11/3/2018 - Kevdog Likes this wine: 92 Points
This bottle was excellent. Polished and elegant as a 14 year old wine with plenty of backbone should be, but still fruit forward with blackberry and vanilla. Wish I had more of this vintage, last of 04 but I still have a few 07s and maybe some 05s.
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10/10/2018 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent
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9/18/2018 - Decanting fool Likes this wine:
Revisiting this wine about 5 years after I last tasted and wrote about it, in reviewing my notes I'm surprised to find I could write an almost identical comment. It's superb. If anything, the minerality is only heightened by virtue of the very slight diminishing of the fruit. Very slight. The wine has hardly moved at all.
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9/15/2018 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 93 Points
If you were to look up the dictionary definition of 'Perfect drinking window' circa 2018, I can only assume there would be no need for words, just a picture of this bottle.
The balance between sweet, slightly fading dark (with a touch of red) fruits, together with a razor's-edge balance with tobacco, vanilla-tinged wood elements and just a touch of liquorice is a joy to behold.
This vintage has been wonderful to drink from about a decade of age onwards, and yet it shows no signs of slowing down - I'm not sure it'll ever quite beat the 2001, but it pushes it very close, and has years and years left in the tank to further evolve. (My only quiet lament might be that they probably don't make 'em like this anymore).
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9/15/2018 - andreel Likes this wine: 90 Points
We opened this bottle prompted by some of the reviewers saying the wine is heading over the hill. We did not think so at all - while we enjoyed it, the wine still felt quite young so we’ll definitely wait a few more years before getting more from storage.
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9/14/2018 - Gcashman wrote: 95 Points
Absolutely fantastic right now. Leather, sweet cherry, spice.
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9/11/2018 - K&J Likes this wine: 94 Points
Awesome juice! At its peak. I need to get some more!
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8/31/2018 - maxima wrote: flawed
Bouchonnée!
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7/25/2018 - CosmicDude Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still enjoying
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7/14/2018 - jdporter3 Likes this wine:
Nothing to add to previous notes.
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6/7/2018 - maxima wrote: 86 Points
Encore assez boisé, fait un peu moderne avec un peu de vanille et des tannins charnus sur une finale longue et suave.
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6/6/2018 - rossi.wine wrote: 92 Points
From magnum. Tasted next to the 2001 Reserva Especial and 2005 Reserva. Quite open and layered on the nose - dark fruit, vanilla, spices, leather, floral notes and herbs. Very pretty and expressive. On the palate good fruit, fresh and vibrant, well balanced with soft tannic grip and good length. Drink or keep. 91-93
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5/22/2018 - maxima wrote: 87 Points
Commence à se placer. Le boisé est un peu plus adouci et le fruit est bien présent (cerises et prunes). Une belle acidité, des tannins charnus et une finale assez longue mais un brin asséchante.
Encore quelques années!
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5/22/2018 - rap wrote: 91 Points
- Ruby color - Drank w Boronows . All impressed. Quite acidic bright
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5/6/2018 - Chaz Bham wrote: 91 Points
Reticent nose. Silky smooth on the palate. Restrained red fruit with pleasing herbal dill tones. Reservas typically show less oak than the Gran Reservas - a big plus. Drinking beautifully. An excellent value.
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4/29/2018 - Too much practice. Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still sensational and so moreish. Plenty of life.
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4/7/2018 - Gece Likes this wine:
Dill, coconut, mint, eucalyptus, quite vibrant fruit of both red and dark varieties. Elegant and plain tasty. A little short, perhaps, but a very pleasant wine.
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4/5/2018 - vincemcd61 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice wine. Had with Cuban black beans and yellow rice bowl
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4/1/2018 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Straight after the 2005.
Much deeper, darker coloured wine of the two, the aromas are more towards leather, cedar and other smells related to the wood regimen - I would say somewhere around liquorice-with-vanilla.
On the palate, the fruit is also dialled down compared to the 2005, with a wonderful umami richness going on, with pipe tobacco and leather principle amongst them.
Slightly lower acid, but slightly higher body with a little more stuffing and mid-palate, but not quite as sophisticated as the 2005 - interesting to see two such good but completely contrasting styles in two fabulous back-to-back vintages.
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3/31/2018 - MLipton wrote:
Very young, very primary but still recognizably Rioja in character. The dilly American oak is still quite pronounced, but there's good acidity and an abundance of fruit to carry it forward for another 5-10 years at least.
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3/30/2018 - Paul D Likes this wine: 91 Points
1/6. Decanted 1/2 hour. Very good cork.
Medium/deep garnet core, pale garnet rim. Nose shows youthful, dark fruit - blackcurrant, vanilla, touch of smoke and spice. Medium/full bodied, quite rich red and black berry fruit, vanilla, just a touch of savour - all offset by lovely, vibrant acids - very soft tannins and an extended harmonious finish. This is still youthful and, as is customary for Ardanza (the 1989 was recently in excellent shape still), will age well.
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3/30/2018 - jdporter3 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Agree with RichardP on taste profile and CosmicDude on timing. I don’t think it will improve, but it will last awhile. Still some pretty good dill on the palate and a wee bit of strength. A very nice wine, but not classic. Drink it up.
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3/18/2018 - RichardP wrote: 92 Points
Light strawberry and eucalyptus on the nose. On the palate, bright cherry, strawberry, and notes of tobacco and cedar on the medium finish, with light tannins and strong acidity. This is classic Rioja with several good years in it yet. Excellent value at just under $30.
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3/5/2018 - olalar wrote: 92 Points
Superb drinking ....
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2/28/2018 - vesuvius wrote: 89 Points
Oaky and powerful.
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2/24/2018 - Jonny d Likes this wine: 90 Points
Enjoyable, but this wine has been better. Agree with CosmicDude. Drink up.
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1/20/2018 - CosmicDude Likes this wine: 89 Points
Starting to pass its prime. Enjoyable red but losing its edge
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1/13/2018 - Thefatbastard wrote:
Légèrement tuilé. Belles notes tertiaires animales (cuir) et d'épices avec un beau fruit. Bel équilibre et longueur. Si il y a qlq chose à redire c'est une certainement minceur et chaleur. Pourquoi attendre plus...
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1/13/2018 - sastewart wrote: 91 Points
Short decant. Classy wine opened and smoothed out over the course of dinner. Cherry, spice and a touch of dill on the nose. Pretty cherry, tobacco, spices and earth on the palate. Medium bodied - mature wine in a good place. 91 points
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12/31/2017 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP. Intriguing mix of red fruit (primarily cherry), plum, tobacco and some earth. Very enjoyable.
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12/23/2017 - Andrea&Ian Likes this wine:
An epic bottle. Aged beautifully. Intense nose of leather and black fruit. Stewed fruit on the palate. Silky tannins.
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12/22/2017 - fedro Likes this wine: 92 Points
From magnum - this was well in its prime with strong flavours of cherries and tobacco leaves. Good level of acidity and tannins still with a kick. Wonderful
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12/17/2017 - peternelson wrote: 90 Points
Nice, very young tasting, young fruit, more astringent than the 2001, shorter on the finish, good, but clearly not as good as the 2001 with it's tangy long finish. Blind at Monica's.
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12/15/2017 - JuliannaD Likes this wine: 92 Points
First sip made me wonder if opened this too late, but a few minutes later, wow! This wine was delicious with ripe plum and cherries along with just a touch of earth and tobacco. Sorry this was my last bottle!
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12/14/2017 - DrWal Likes this wine:
Coravain'd a glass to drink while making dinner from my last bottle. Love this wine even though it is past its prime. Cherries, tobacco dominate with wood on the nose.
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12/12/2017 - gew71walsh wrote: 92 Points
Cherries, berries and vanilla. This velvety on the palate. Nice acidity with integrated tannins. Lingering finish. Wonderful wine.
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12/12/2017 - honest bob wrote: flawed
Amazing disintegrating cork turned to dust on extraction, quite a show - the wine was ruined.
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12/6/2017 - Tetherton Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine is drinking fabulously well! We opened the bottle and drank through the timeline for it to "open" (about 30 minutes). A lot of very neat barn door, cedar and some "funk" on the nose. These dissipated quickly. Cedar, tobacco and lively fruits formed the flavor profile on the palate. There was a nice acidity on the back palate. Some of the earlier tasting notes reflect a young wine that is now in full stride.
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12/5/2017 - Lazerlar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Much better than my previous bottle a couple of weeks ago. Drinking just fine with a pnp this time. This wine appears to have some bottle variation and this one had none of the aged signs of my previous bottle.
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11/30/2017 - macaujames Likes this wine: 91 Points
A quieter wine than the 2005. Has aromas of raspberries, vanilla, cloves, strawberries, cherries and spice. Its medium bodied palate yet broadly shouldered and elegant stylish palate has a mesh of nicely layered vanillary blue and red fruits with decent acidity. Ends longish. Improves to a 91 on day two. Needs two to three hours aeration. 13.5%. Had with a pork and chorizo gulasch. This went perfectly with the dish but could have been even tangier.
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11/30/2017 - skurtz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very smooth tobacco, oak, dark fruit on the nose and palate. Velvety and well integrated.
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11/29/2017 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 91 Points
Like a comfortable old pair of slippers, this vintage of Ardanza has relaxed from it's fairly brutish youthful phase, and is now nicely aged classic Reserva Rioja.
Has a darker colour, and a darker-fruit profile than other vintages, with a touch of liquorice and plenty of VA. Not quite as wow as bottles from 12 months ago (although a caveat being they were from different suppliers, so draw your own conclusions.), but still tremendous drinking pleasure and a bargain to boot.
I think this will easily be outlived by the 2005, it has the stuffing but not quite the acidity, but it's been a pleasure having it for company this past half-decade and will probably continue to be so for a good few years yet.
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11/23/2017 - Lazerlar wrote: 89 Points
3 years ago was my last bottle of this great wine at which point I decided to sit on the rest for a while to see how it may develop based on its expected life trajectory. I'm hoping it just this bottle but I fear based on other reviews that this particular vintage has seen its best days. I will be drinking what I have left fairly soon.
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11/18/2017 - GARDEN Likes this wine: 91 Points
90 on night one and 91 on a subsequent night
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11/10/2017 - henrygjeffreys wrote:
red colour, brick on the rim
This smells much older than it should - VA and a touch of varnish
LIght body, slightly vinegary, no fruit, tannins a little drying at the end, nice finish though
This might come round in the glass but think this is a bad bottle - TCA perhaps though doesn't smell like it.
Reading everyone else's reviews it seems that I'm not alone in finding this wine disappointing. Amazing how it has tailed off since 2013 when it was lovely
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11/3/2017 - DocJLB Likes this wine: 90 Points
A cocoa/chocolate note, nice!
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11/1/2017 - Rickets Likes this wine: 90 Points
enjoyable classic rioja.
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10/15/2017 - Tpairing wrote: 90 Points
An old warrior still going strong but drink up. Very enjoyable. Decant for two hours - sediment needs to settle and open up.
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9/29/2017 - guzmana Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent. With a well rounded smoothness and deep dark fruit notes. Has the subtlety of good Rs. Discrete and charming.
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9/29/2017 - m.lupus Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still enjoyable but slightly over its peak, it seemed. No point to cellar it any further, based on the bottle we had.
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9/19/2017 - Lemmy-W wrote: 91 Points
maybe an off-bottle or in a weird stage, didn't enjoy as much as some of the previous ones. Nice however.
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9/14/2017 - Swirling Likes this wine: 89 Points
Colour: ruby with slight brown edges.
Nose: red cherry, smoky, leather,
Palate: medium bodied. Slight tannin. Sour cherry. Perfumed.
Liked the "aged" flavours. Day 1 was good. Day 2 was even better, perfume more intense and better balanced. Great value.
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8/26/2017 - trmoore Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really nice for the price. It's drinking perfectly now.
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8/5/2017 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 93 Points
Deep ruby color. There’s a core of black and red cherries and plums on the nose, along with lots of smoke (charcoal, tobacco, roasted cedar, grilled herbs), leather, rose potpourri, lots going on. Pure, vibrant palate with sturdy tannins, but not harsh, moderating acidity. Black and red cherries, crunchy but also slightly roasted notes to the fruit. Laced with so much complex non-fruit elements (tree bark, cigar lounge, leather jacket, rose potpourri, vanilla bean, coffee). Deep mineral tones as well. This has 10+ years of development, and is still quite young, but its quality still shows now.
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7/25/2017 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 91 Points
Prior bottle was 10 months ago and while it has evolved slightly, my notes were generally consistent. Red cherry, with some hints of black cherry along with earth and oak notes on the nose. Medium bodied (13.5% ABV) and remains very round and open, without the power or depth that I associate with Rioja. Red cherry upfront has softened a bit (not quite as bright), followed by red berry and tart red cherry. Integrated, fine-grained tannins mark the finish along with vanilla, earth and leather. Overall, felt like the wine had softened and integrated a bit more, but was otherwise unchanged. Should drink well over the next few years, but additional time isn't going to result in major positive evolution.
Like many, I think I was expecting a bit more given the critics excitement over this wine. Sure, it shows good fruit-structure balance and is drinking quite well, but I didn't find anything to support the massive accolades it received from some. It didn't have the complexity or depth in my view to justify the high praise it received. But that's not to take anything away from an enjoyable, affordable wine of high quality, simply not the stellar quality we may have been lead to believe.
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7/22/2017 - joet626 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice smooth. Hints of mint and eucalyptus. Liked it but maybe should have drank a year earlier
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7/19/2017 - golfhawk wrote: 85 Points
It seems the cork made no difference as the second bottle was a lot of the same. It starts off fine but fades really quick. It was disappointing with all of the great critics reviews but I guess it just is past it's peak.
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7/18/2017 - golfhawk wrote:
May have been corked as it was dry and came apart. The wine started off with good fruit, earth and spice but ended with just tannic juice. I will try another one and hope for better results.
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7/14/2017 - bellair Likes this wine:
Delicious.
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7/7/2017 - americanstorm Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice nose, smooth but a little short on the finish. The bottle disappeared very quickly. Great qpr, in my opinion. Would buy again. Nice wine to have on hand, easy drinking, doesn't need much decant and pretty much everyone like it
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6/24/2017 - Wine Canuck wrote: 91 Points
This showed nicely. It pours a bright, vibrant red with moderate bricking. The nose is subdued, eventually showing mild notes of red cherry, strawberry, coconut sunscreen, earth, orange peel, and vanilla. The palate features medium minus tannin, and elevated acid with an orange peel edge to it, keeping this so fresh and food friendly. Was a fantastic pairing with chorizo and octopus ragout.
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6/20/2017 - cliffkol wrote: flawed
not sure what happened, but very acidic and undrinkable. This was our last bottle.
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6/19/2017 - EricLi wrote: 93 Points
Coravined a glass. Fully matured with little air needed. Oak based charming floral scent. Similar profile on the palate. Long finish with mouth coating smooth tannins. The only knock is that acidity seems to be dominant in the back of the palate. But it is a drink so easy to like with or without food, especially considering the reasonable price.
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6/4/2017 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, decanted 90 minutes. Massive vanilla oak on nose and entry; rich but still elegant dark red fruit with much lower mid-palate acidity than expected, so for my palate it didn't quite dance (or find a satisfying balance with the strong oak aromatics). Served at 22C room temperature, would surely have been in better balance at 17-18C. Fully mature now, but should keep well for 4-5 years. 90P
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6/3/2017 - forceberry wrote: 93 Points
Surprisingly youthful appearance: very dark and even slightly purple cherry color that allows only the slightest amount of light shine through. Quite youthful and somewhat oaky yet very complex and attractive nose of peppery spice, sweet red cherry, some sweet toasted oak, a little bit of vanilla, a perfumed hint of orchard flowers and a touch of dill. Noticeably tightly-knit, textural and concentrated on the palate with extracted flavors of sweet, ripe cherry-driven fruit, vanilla oak, peppery spice, some plummy dark fruit, a little bit of dill and a hint of mineral brightness. The structure here is quite impressive with moderately high and lively acidity and firm, grippy tannins. The finish is very long with a slightest hint of bitterness that offsets nicely the sweetness from the ripe fruit and vanilla oak. There are intense flavors of peppercorns, Christmas spices, vanilla, some strawberry jam, a little bit of dark plummy fruit, a hint of stony minerality and a touch of dill. The aftertaste is very slightly warm (13,5% alc) and rather grippy from the firm tannins.
A wonderful Ardanza that is still in dire need of cellar age; even at the age of 12 years the wine feels very youthful, almost primary. Compared to the Reserva Especial 2001, this wine felt less sweet and less oaky with more emphasis on the savory, textural flavors and impressive tannic structure. Most likely this wine won't take as much aging as some Ardanzas to integrate its vanilla oak with the fruit, but I'd let the wine age for at least 10-15 years more. A wonderful, classic example of the traditional, American oak-aged Rioja Reserva style.
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5/24/2017 - EricLi wrote: 92 Points
PnP. Felt that it is at its peak. Oak integrated well. Detectable but not protruding. Red fruit with plenty of acidity to brighten it up. Medium finish.
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4/29/2017 - Burgundy Al wrote: 91 Points
Another Saturday at Knightsbridge - mostly blind (Northbrook, IL): Tasted double blind. Easily identifiable as an old school Spanish wine. Red cherry, anise, dried flowers. Comes across in that slightly oxidative style I enjoy from wines like this, even if I thought it somewhat older than a 2004.
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4/20/2017 - HWG99 wrote: 87 Points
Much nicer after a few hours. Nice full noise but a bit weak on the palate. Nice finishing.
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4/14/2017 - Lype Likes this wine: 90 Points
Light and elegant, maybe still a bit closed, a strong vintage and a long life ahead.
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4/12/2017 - HWG99 wrote: 88 Points
Quite muddy at open. Show much more characters after 1 hour. Full noise with fruit, plummy and enjoyable. Medium body with nice finishing. Nice Rioja but just not my type.
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4/9/2017 - chbeaumont wrote: 90 Points
Strong colour, brick red rim; warm fruit, classical; fully integrated, plush, characterful; finishes well. Probably not for the long haul.
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3/23/2017 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
As sure a thing in Rioja as you'll find.
Still amazing, and amazing value.
Great with roasted leg of lamb.
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2/25/2017 - antelope Likes this wine: 95 Points
Fantastic rioja. Full nose, drinking very well now.
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2/21/2017 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Oak could still integrate as dill dominates the nose, but quite aromatic with pleasant acidity. Nice red fruit core with some smoke on the back end. Very good and should get better.
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1/22/2017 - df1962 wrote: 93 Points
PnD 1/2 bottle let air for 2hrs. Consistent with previous note. Fresh complex and delicious. Holding up beautifully will keep my hands off my last two for at least a couple of years.
Last half of the bottle showed well on day two. Bodes well for holding on to these for a few more years.
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1/12/2017 - Alexroy wrote: 91 Points
Day 2. Bright fruit, a Herbert, cherries, red fruit, vanilla. Long.
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1/10/2017 - MikeFranklin Likes this wine: 95 Points
Full, rounded and spicy. Brilliant
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1/3/2017 - Vinomane Likes this wine:
Now emerging as a classic. Barely old enough to show its promise of profundity. Jam-packed with every quality, big and bold yet refined, jut getting into secondaries. Will improve for 20 years and hold indefinitely. (92-94).
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1/1/2017 - mjwstickings Likes this wine: 90 Points
From one of Rioja's great producers, this well-aged Reserva is traditional and profound yet also light and full of verve, effectively communicating the balance of Rioja viticulture, where even the old-fashioned can be, in a sense, progressive, and where even wine of this age can have so much life left in it. That said, it is indeed characteristically old Rioja, with barrel-aged Tempranillo notes of cherry, plum, coconut, baking spice and leather, as well a mild meaty-earthy funk and bold ferrous / crushed rock minerality. And it is indeed predictably more savoury than fruity, an unabashed counterpoint to more modern, more commercial Rioja, yet enlivened by a slashing acidity leading to still-firm tannins. Again, there's just so much life and structure, and so much further aging potential. And yet, for all that, the depth is lacking and the overall impact just isn't quite there. It's great wine, just not truly memorable other than as a representative of a more traditional Rioja style.
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12/28/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 93 Points
What can I say about this wine that hasn't already been said?
Still a deep colour, but with trademark Rioja bricking at the edges. The nose is a good blast of cherry, blackcurrant and sweet vanilla.
Mouthwatering and refreshing acidity make it an ideal partner for food.
Drinking superbly now, it should be excellent for the next decade. Love it. And so good, I immediately bought another case!
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11/27/2016 - GlenviewGSW Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic stone and mineral elements on the nose, even after a couple of hour decant there is not a lot of fruit on the nose. Med dark with clear edge. Smoke, tabacco and game on the mid palate. Somewhat tart on the finish with a lot of cherry. A food wine.
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11/5/2016 - Nike-Raider Likes this wine:
I should have decanted but didn't. A bit rough out of the bottle but it started to settle down after 30 minutes. The prominent nose has plenty of fruit but is starting to show its age.
The pallet has a bold acidity, black fruit and a respectable finish. Next time I will decant and do a more focused review. I withhold a rating but it would be a 90.
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10/22/2016 - VDLT Wine Likes this wine:
Preferred this slightly to the 07
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10/18/2016 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, dry cork, broke during extraction. Aromatic and taste profile exactly as noted on 25.06.2016; the wine in this bottle seemed much more expressive and enjoyable on day 2. On this basis, no hurry at all. 90P
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10/16/2016 - brianngibson wrote: 92 Points
Lovely expression of La Rioja. Cherry, figs, cedar. Less tobacco and oak than you might expect.
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10/5/2016 - wineguy75 Likes this wine: 92 Points
1hr decant from 375ml. Ready to drink. slightly tart fruit. saddle/leather. Color had caramel/brown tones and looked like wine had more age.
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10/2/2016 - jdporter3 Likes this wine:
Getting time to rate this but still have most of a case left so just enjoying for now. Modest dill notes and perhaps a little more fruit forward than the LRA 2004. Still has time here but not the depth and character of the LRA. Medium finish. Great value.
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10/1/2016 - CWilliam wrote:
92+
Paired with steamed shrimp (with old bay seasoning). Would not recommend but this was my last bottle of wine...
Handled the food and was beautiful on it's own. did not take notes but very much enjoyed.
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9/29/2016 - alexrawdin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry/fruity front and smooth finish with balanced tanins. Delicious
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9/19/2016 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 91 Points
Red cherry, leather, wood and earthy notes on the nose. Medium bodied with a refined elegance about it rather than the tannic power that I'm used to with many Rioja wines. Bright red cherry upfront along with softer red berry intermixed and some tart red fruit notes in the background. Tannins are fine grained and well integrated. They show up as a background structuring note and then into and through the finish and were never drying or intrusive. Vanilla, earth and leather notes on the finish. This was a very pretty wine, but it didn't have quite the depth or complexity I was hoping for given the professional reviews. It is drinking very well at present and should stay at this level for several more years and does represent excellent QPR if you enjoy this style of Rioja.
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9/17/2016 - CosmicDude wrote: 91 Points
See my earlier note on details. Another great bottle.
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9/10/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Alongside the Tondonia Reserva '04.
A fruitier, slightly less austere interpretation than the Tondonia. Lovely expressive nose with a blast of cherry and blackcurrant and vanilla. Refreshing and mouthwatering acidity. The lack of tannins compared to the Tondonia was noticeable. Peaking right now, with plenty left in the tank.
I have a preference for the style of Ardanza, but then perhaps from a sense of romantic nostalgia, it being the first fine wine I remember tasting many years ago, I prefer Ardanza to most wines!
Scoring them both the same though, for equal but different pleasure.
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9/8/2016 - Levinsb wrote: 93 Points
Very tasty smooth black cherry. Tannins to last a while longer.
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8/21/2016 - adipovino Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lean and focused. Red fruit with good acidity. Best with food. Still needs time to round out the remaining tannin.
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8/19/2016 - cliffkol wrote: 88 Points
tight, tannic
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8/14/2016 - Tpairing wrote: 91 Points
Superb wine with a balance that ends up tasty. Great value.
Superb with ideal meals .... Flan steak grilled , paprika rice and peppered tomatoes.
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7/29/2016 - ProfByron Likes this wine: 90 Points
A classic. Very dependable. Still showing a fair amount of estery oak, but then this is Rioja.
Well cellared this wine has possibly another 3-5 years of modest improvement left in it. Otherwise it's drinking very well now.
13.5% ABV. Sealed with cork.
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7/24/2016 - americanstorm Likes this wine: 91 Points
2 Hour decant, nice nose, easy drinking wine with a really pleasent mouthfeel. If you are looking for a "can't miss" wine to serve to both casual and more serious wine drinkers this should be on your list. Very mellow with a long finish. Very good and a excellent QPR.
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7/9/2016 - Mnawacki Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is bottle 3 of 7 , the last one opened about 6 months ago. Found this bottle tonight to have been a bit of a chameleon wine over the course of the evening. Initial awkwardness on the pour, acetone nose and acidic in the mouth. 90 minutes of decanting began to resolve this, providing a dusty nose of cigar box, old leather, white pepper, allspice, and some barnyard funky vegetal greenness. Another hour of decanting took away the funkiness and softened the tobacco with more delicate vanilla and sour cherry notes. Quite complex palate of red currant, semi-sweet cherry and white pepper. Very long finish, incredible tannic structure, beautifully integrated. Secondary flavours pop over a minute long finish. Wonderful evolution and complexity, really like this wine.
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7/1/2016 - Too much practice. wrote: 87 Points
Drank in anger - which didn't seem to help my enjoyment! Root day?
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6/27/2016 - ccarter5181 wrote: 91 Points
Excellent overall. Great perfumed nose, nice rich red fruits with classic Rioja smooth oak. Nice secondary characteristics. Long satisfying finish. PnP. Took 30-60 minutes to open up. 18 months since last bottle and can't say I noticed a big difference. Still drinking great.
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6/25/2016 - Too much practice. wrote: 93 Points
Mature now. Tannins no longer need food. It's great without. Time to get stuck in to these superb bottles.
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6/25/2016 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork. P+P, not decanted. Fine, oaky, dill and a touch of refreshing mint/menthol on the entry; sweet/sour redcurrant/cherry fruit, lively acidity (of course), redcurrant-pip tannins almost completely resolved but for an appealing dryness on the finish. Best in the hour after opening and at about 16C; after 3 hours of air and warmed up to (23C) room temperature a roughness on the mid-palate and some awkward volatile notes disturbed what was initially a wonderfully harmonious wine. 90-(91)P
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6/14/2016 - Swaggering Beaunie Likes this wine: 93 Points
WOW this is good. Classic old-school Rioja; potpourri nose, with flavors of bitter black cherry, smoke, oak spice, orange peel, truffle and topsoil. The 2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva is consistently one of my favorite wines, and I can't think of a wine with better QPR at $26! This one is great now but tertiary characteristics are just beginning to emerge, so it has years left. Back the truck up to the door if you find it.
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6/13/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 94 Points
94?
Yes, 94. It's moved up a notch on the basis of time gifting it balance.
There's not really much to add to the notes I've made before, other than the mouthfeel and finish are so balanced, so smooth, that there is no afterburn whatsoever. I would accept that it's probably a slightly more modern approach in this vintage, with it still having a good fruit profile. But I see that as as a positive, and frankly it's still more classic than most.
Absolutely outstanding bottle of Rioja. Unless my palate is playing tricks with me better than the 2001 Especial I had last year... which itself is an outstanding wine. It's just getting better and better. I'd happily swap some of my Bordeaux futures for another case of this.
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5/26/2016 - For the Love of Wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
WTDS at Kevin's: This exemplifies my ideal Spanish wine....oaky, but with the fruit to support it. On the nose you get dusty leather with red fruit. On the palate, you get oak, cherry and lavender, with a little spice. The fruit and oak is well integrated, even though the oak is definitely present. (I like oaked wines, so this was delicious for me, but others could find this wine a little too oaky). The tannins were silky and made for a nice textured Spanish Rioja! I would definitely add this wine to my collection and the QPR is definitely excellent!
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5/25/2016 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
WTDS Wednesday Afternoon (Rocknroller's (Kevin & Vicki's Place)): Dark red color. Splash double decanted; drank 2 glasses over 2 hours plus. Pretty nose with dill, red cherry, dust and earth. The palate is equally enticing with dill, red fruit, earth, minerals, medium body, integrating tannins, and a long finish.
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5/17/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm sticking with 92. Given air and a little time (about 3 hours) this is absolutely singing. Lovely medium body, with a dusty dark fruit-with-balsamic tone to it. There's cherry in there, with a slowly fading amount of vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity that screams food wine. Still got years left in it.
Whisper it, but I'm beginning to get the creeping feeling that 2004 is a more 'classic Rioja vintage' than 2001.Whodathought?
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5/12/2016 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 92 Points
From 375ml and 3yrs from my last bottle. This has smoothed out considerably, giving it almost a Pinot-like texture on the palate. Nose of dill and spice. Red fruit with fine acidity on the palate with a distinct forest and spice element. Tannins are fine and only apparent on the back in of a moderately long finish. Quite fresh and enjoyable and a nice change from the typical bdx varietals. Dill is still pretty apparent with is the only distracting characteristic.
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4/25/2016 - mphatic wrote:
Cork, 13.5% alc. dark crimson red.
Aromas of smoky cherry, blueberry, licorice, crushed dry herbs, menthol. A touch of barnyard and leather though not overpowering. Definite oak treatment. Earth and pan juices.
Reasonably mellow in the mouth but the tannins are quite drying in the aftertaste. Subtle. Oak sticks out and the wine probably needs a long time for the body to flesh out and integrate with the oak.
Opinion: interesting wine but caution needed. Which direction will the Bretty aromas head?
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4/24/2016 - Chaz Bham wrote: 90 Points
As others have mentioned, herbal tones of dill on the nose and back end of the palate. This bottle showed restrained fruit and some oak, but by no means obtrusive. The tannins are agreeable and likely will soften further - I'm guessing this may be the beginning of a prime drinking window for this wine. No rough edges. Overall an impression of harmony, and a nice value.
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4/23/2016 - Cooky474 wrote: 91 Points
Clear appearance, medium to deep intensity, ruby-red in colour. Clean nose, still very youthful, a little oak and red cherries. Tannins are soft and integrating nicely and the wine is well balanced. Medium body, medium flavour intensity and medium-plus length.
Very drinkable now and noting that I have no experience of how this wine ages, I'd expect it to continue to improve Alver the coming years as this wine does not yet show the classic "Rioja dusty" terroir on the palate.
This was drunk alongside a 1998 904 and this was in a better place on the evening.
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4/8/2016 - mpdonnel Likes this wine: 92 Points
From 375. In a great place, very enjoyable. Classic Rioja, with cherry, vanilla and earthy undertones. Still a good amount of acidity with just a touch of smooth tannins. Wish I had more.
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3/25/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
I really need to slow down on the consumption of this, but it's absolutely singing right now, so it's difficult to keep my hands off!
Almost Burgundian in style and weight, it's teetering on the edge form that earlier, heavyweight fruitier stage, and starting to integrate it's component parts beautifully to offer benchmark Reserva and Ardanza drinking. Cherries (with a cherry-raspberry acidity), good dose of Vanilla from the American Oak (though never overpowering or overwhelming). There's a nice dose of liquorice on the back palate.
It's hard to decide which my desert island wine would be, but the 2001 and 2004 vintages are right up there. They just keep giving.
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3/13/2016 - Lemmy-W wrote: 92 Points
got best on day #3. vacuumed for each night.
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3/5/2016 - Rossodio Likes this wine: 92 Points
Right in the early part of its sweet spot. Classic rioja with balanced very fine tannins and rich secondary notes. Drink now now now or plus 3-5 years; unclear if it would improve or decline at that point.
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3/5/2016 - mflesh wrote:
Drink window on this is 2017-2040. Now that I had one of two tonight, I can certainly believe that! Popped to a light purple stain on the cork. Poured dark garnet with a hint of violet. The nose was nitrogenous with a lot of barnyard. The opening was barnyard, soot, and forest. The mid-palate was where the black cherry and a hint of plum and clove existed. The wine finished with part nitrogen and part spice -- sage and oregano. A little acidity, interestingly not much tannin. Wine continued to develop to the last drop, but what this wine needs the most is to be cellared and opened in 4-5 years.
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2/15/2016 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nothing much to add to previous notes, other than this is absolutely singing right now and is going to be good for a few years yet. Classic cherry and vanilla, strawberries and cream, a touch of dark fruit. Wonderful balancing acidity.
Currently my favourite vintage of Rioja, La Rioja Alta and Ardanza. There are wines 3 times the price of this that would do well to match the quality and enjoyment.
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2/14/2016 - bobvictor Likes this wine: 91 Points
Earthy and wet wood on the nose. Leather and chewy in the mouth. Modest fruit. Earth and wet wood from the nose linger in the finish. Still drinking very nicely
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2/11/2016 - Mnawacki Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fantastic bottle that is very much in its prime, wonderful expression of Rioja with sublime cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit lightly flavoured by vanilla, well-balanced and smooth, tannins fully integrated, providing a lingering finish of half a minute.
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1/18/2016 - Gian wrote: 88 Points
Red Garnet color, red fruits , tobacco, pepper, leather on the palate full bodied, round , nice acidity, start now the drinking window and will improve with time
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1/18/2016 - sp4388 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really dill-y nose- I think I'm sensitive to it because I get it in most riojas now. Also big sweet cherries and a little strawberry which carries through to the palate. Very well structured- good dose of acid and tannin to match the delicious fruit. Better after a long decant.
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1/18/2016 - Alex H wrote: 89 Points
A sweet smelling enticing nose. Raspberries, exciting red currants and spicy cherries impressing on the palate with consistency and power amidst a smooth finish.
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1/14/2016 - Rickets Likes this wine: 92 Points
just so good for the price point. classic rioja with lots of stuffing - should age well.
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1/11/2016 - Vinomane wrote:
Still a shapeless brute, lumbering awkwardly toward a distant maturity. 3-5 years to opening; should hold and mellow indefinitely thereafter (not that anyone outside northern Spain really knows: the oldest Ardanzas available at U.S. retail today are vintage 2000).
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1/10/2016 - phellstrand Likes this wine: 92 Points
I just love this wine. Bought a case and have been drinking 6 bottles over the past year. Will still evolve over the next few years and such great value (I paid $26/bottle).
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1/2/2016 - ŞarapTutkunları wrote: 93 Points
Kızıl,mor röfleli kenarlarında çok ince koyu vişne çürüğü rimi olan derin lal renginde. Ön burnunda vanilya, lavanta gibi floral notalar ile dengeli erik, kuru incir benzeri meyveler, baharat , tütün arkada ise deri benzeri animal ve silikde olsa b vitamini gibi medicinal aromalar ile oldukça katmanlı bir burun. Orta gövdeli, son derece olgun tanen yapısı ,elegan ipeksi dokusuna eşlik eden ve ayrı ayrı ortaya çıkan lezzetler ile kompleks olarak nitelenebilecek dengeli damağı aynı zamanda orta üstü asidi ile, tazeleyici. Daha çok siyah meyve ,tütün/baharat ve toprak hissedilen tatlar arasında. Uzun ve lezzetli bitimi ise baharat ,mineral dokunuşlar içeren temiz ve kalıcılığı olan bir bitim. İşin ilginç tarafı şarap hala genç ve bana göre daha 4-6 yıl kadar, zevkle içim aralığı sunuyor. 2016-2021 92+Puan
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12/26/2015 - df1962 wrote: 93 Points
PnD half the bottle last night. Delicious. Finished stored in fridge allowed to come to room temperature to finish tonight. Deep garnet purple almost saturated with crimson to clear rim. Plum fig baking spices lavendar anise and leather on the nose. Medium weight with silky tannins. Complex burst of flavour on the palate. Clean lingering finish with a pleasant medicinal complexity. This is wonderfully complex and amazingly youthful. I have experienced some bottle variation nothing extreme and can't see how some others have had bottles score as low as they have. Look forward to drinking up my last three over the next five years.
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12/25/2015 - wine_sloth wrote: 93 Points
Superb. Utterly classic Rioja. Unmistakably Ardanza, that core of soft strawberry fruit, layers of vanilla and sweet spice, and that moreish complexity. Drinking perfectly.
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12/18/2015 - rjweitzman wrote:
tonight was not the night for me. tart. cherry and nothing to it. hated it
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12/15/2015 - ThierryH wrote: 75 Points
Tried this bottle twice, so no excuse. I cannot believe I am tasting the same wine than the one some people are describing. Seemed to me that it was well over its peak, very light, thin, full of acidity. Lacking everyting.
I do have 4 bottles left and I am wondering what I can do with this. Bought a bottle if 2007 in order to check whether it is just a question of age?
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12/5/2015 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Turning into such a lovely wine. I was at first a sceptic of the 2004 vintage, it was quite heavy, a bit of a blunt instrument to start with, but its turning into my favourite of the last decade or so in Rioja. Like the polar opposite of the more floral 2005, and a more approachable version of 2001.
I've really little to add to my previous tasting note. Classic Ardanza, nice mid-weight, vanilla and cherry dominate the nose. Refreshing acidity that makes it a perfect partner to food. I'd just as happily drink it on its own though. As to its timeframe, there really is no rush, this will live and develop well over the next decade with improvement for the next handful of years. The question is as to whether I can keep my hands off the bottles for long enough.
Like it? Love it!
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12/5/2015 - lockestep Likes this wine: 89 Points
Well crafted, mature Rioja. It should hold for a few years, but does not seem likely to develop greatly from this point. Some added interest with additional cellaring would help, so it would be worth delaying and hoping for the best.
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11/24/2015 - Zazzaman Likes this wine: 85 Points
Closed nose straight from bottle, bitter cherry / damsons with cloves and nutmeg notes on the palate, tannins soft with a hint of green pepper. Good finish and acidity. I will check if this opens up, but well made and good to drink now with food, if a bit un-exciting. WoFW 14/20
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11/17/2015 - Fateful Destiny wrote: 91 Points
Reliably good. A benchmark Reserva. Somewhat unidimensional as most Riojas are but quite characteristic of the better ones.
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11/17/2015 - bobadopolis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Day 1 a bit muted all around. Day 2 great bouquet of deep purple fruit ... plum, lavender, ripe strawberries. Nice fruit on the palate and super long finish. Should continue to improve.
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11/15/2015 - Ricardohd Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is lovely uncomplicated drinking. Lots of cedar on the nose. Sweet fruit and wood palate.Medium bodied. Medium length. Very nicely made good quality rioja.
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11/14/2015 - JuliannaD Likes this wine: 91 Points
This was good again. Compared to the other wines we had tonight, this was very flashy. It had lots of ripe red fruit flavors but it also had enough funky and medicinal flavors to be complex.
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11/1/2015 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
Even with a PNP this wine is really drinking well, fruit on the nose, the palate is red fruit, a little chocolate with hints of cedar, a nice long finish.
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10/12/2015 - David J Cooper wrote: 92 Points
Light medium red. First thing one notices in the nose is the American oak. Nothing at all overpowering but noticeable for sure. Behind that some nice earthy dark fruit and graphite.
Very nice aged Rioja obviously softened with some barrel age. Ready to drink for sure.
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10/3/2015 - vinole wrote: 91 Points
Just see Paul S's TN, who nailed it (as usual). Nothing I could add to that. Love the traditional style which makes it such a versatile food wine. Nice value too.
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9/19/2015 - Villon wrote: 91 Points
91+, encore jeune.
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9/15/2015 - AV2012 wrote: 89 Points
Vina Ardanza vertical: Lots of vanilla and evident oak influence. Fruity and friendly wine, good balance.
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8/15/2015 - km5 wrote:
Drank in VA. Very fine as usual. Notes of mushroom and light earth after rain, well balanced smooth leather and some subtle dried fruits.
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8/9/2015 - gilrbo wrote:
At a restaurant.
Surprisingly, this one still showed some oak influence on the nose. Not disturbing, not excessive, but noticeable. The palate was very fresh and acidity driven, and still had some edges from the tannins. At times I loved its freshness, but compared to the Vina Tondonia 2001 from yesterday, this lacked the silkiness and depth of the palate.
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8/4/2015 - BadOyster wrote: 89 Points
Rather disappointing this time around. What happened to the balance? Maybe it was because there were other riojas on the table that were more restrained - but this one had the sour cherry was turned way up, with a noticeable acidity and alcohol, ultimately hiding the elegance I would want/expect from a reserva. I feel like because it's so hit-you-in-the-face, it makes it a bit more difficult to pair with food. Maybe this means that "it needs more time", but I'm not so sure, as it didn't quite have the tannic structure I was hoping for. Certainly not a "bad" wine, just not hitting my rioja buttons.
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7/28/2015 - olalar wrote: 92 Points
I really should have decanted this for 2 hours. Amazing stuff after that extra wait...
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7/20/2015 - Kevdog Likes this wine: 92 Points
Upon opening it had a very old world Bordeaux like nose, however after just a few moments of air the oak and vanilla moved forward and it took on a somewhat new world feel. After an hour of air it opened up into an elegant Rioja with nice fruit and structure and age polished tannins.
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7/19/2015 - guy12 wrote: 89 Points
Some bricking, spicy sweet nose, still quite tannic, med acidity. Complex sweet & spicey. Long finish. Held up well over a couple days. V good
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7/18/2015 - brianngibson wrote: 93 Points
Dark cherry, fig, soft oak. Classic style.
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7/9/2015 - RBurgundy99 wrote: 92 Points
Agree with all reviews calling for time after opening. PnP in restaurant led to underwhelming first glass. As dinner progressed the acidity and fruit came out, pairing very nicely with the Riojan lamb I was eating. More time in bottle probably not a bad idea either, but it was certainly enjoyable now by the last glass.
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7/8/2015 - CWilliam wrote:
Similar nose / palate profile to my note from 9/2013 "On nose, earthy, leather, cherrry, cedar. Medium body, high acidity and cherry/dried cherry / cranberry flavor profile. Medium+ to long finish - great with food."
a little more dirt / tobacco on nose than last tasting. Very enjoyable and needed 30+ minutes of time in the decanter to come around. 92+/- This was enjoyed by everyone at the dinner table.
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7/5/2015 - nschmidt Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank at Legman's BBQ. Wonderful Rioja that is drinking well right now. All who had it loved it.
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7/3/2015 - olalar wrote: 91 Points
Beautiful fruit and impressive complexity. Refined with a long aftertaste. Perpect with sage chicken.
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6/22/2015 - Old School Fan wrote: 83 Points
Very, very odd bottle of Ardanza. It was certainly off -- extremely oaky and almost no fruit. I suspect it was slightly corked as I know cork taint can manifest itself by killing fruit without its usual "damp basement" characteristic, but I'm not 100% convinced at this point.
I'm a bit concerned about La Rioja Alta wines in general. Of a recent case of Vina Alberdi 2007, I'd say 5-6 bottles showed similarly -- very oaky vanilla and coconut and almost no fruit. They were actually very unpleasant. Now, I've tasted a similarly odd bottle of Ardanza. I've drunk too much great Ardanza (and Alberdi) so I know these bottles aren't typical, but I've had too much bad LRA lately.
I did not mark this as "flawed" even though I am almost certain it is, because I'd like any feedback from others on what I've been experiencing with LRA.
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6/20/2015 - Alberta66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
V: medium weight almost opaque, some bricking along edge
N: leather and wood
T: not much fruit left, a bit dry on finish when first opened. However came into its own w steak on a warm summer evening.
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6/18/2015 - ctjared Likes this wine:
consistent
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6/18/2015 - awinestory wrote: 91 Points
purple black color, aromas of cassis black currants, red currants, structured supple tannins, racy acidity, chocolate notes, cocoa, raspberry jam, tart structured dry finish with spice and ripe fruits
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6/12/2015 - jdporter3 wrote:
Drank with a vertical of 2001, 2005. This wine is not ready - in fact the 2005 is more ready today. Real whiff of barnyard on the nose, very tight and tannic for a Rioja). Decanted about an hour and drank over 4 hours. As said before, needs a lot more air if you want to drink it now. Resist the urge!
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6/7/2015 - dchoo077 wrote: 91 Points
From 375ml. PnP. Remains a very well balanced, classically styled and elegant rioja although I felt that this bottle had lost a bit of freshness versus the one that I had a year ago. I would think that regular 750ml bottles and larger formats will continue to hold up well for some years to come but for these half bottles, it would probably be well advised to drink up within the next year or two. Good value.
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5/23/2015 - happy712 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lovely Rioja Reserva. One of the best I've tasted.
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5/14/2015 - PSPatrick wrote: 90 Points
Consumed over a period of two days. The wine was medium to dark ruby in colour and offered red fruit, some leather, some tobacco, coffee, cocoa, spices and vanilla on the nose. On the palate the wine showed red fruit, some leather, some tobacco, coffee, cocoa, spices, vanilla and cinnamon, with lively, medium-plus acidity, smooth, medium-level tannin, a slightly creamy mouthfeel and superb length (with a lingering coffee + cocoa aftertaste). A good, medium-bodied, medium-complex, old-school Rioja that opened-up after an hour in the decanter. I have a slight preference for the 2005 for its better concentration, yet only by a very small margin, and also liked this 2004 a lot, particularly on day two. I would recommend decanting for at least an hour.
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5/12/2015 - scott w Likes this wine: 92 Points
Seems there is a love hate relationship with this wine...this bottle was even more lovely than the last.
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5/12/2015 - sweetstuff wrote: 91 Points
Just a note. I opened this bottle perhaps 3 weeks ago, and was left totally unimpressed by its muddy flavors and unimpressive nose. Put it in the fridge, and was about to toss it, when I decided to re- taste. A different wine! This wine was not a defective wine, but one that needed a LOT of time to relax with a bit of Oh-two.
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5/1/2015 - maxima wrote: 86 Points
Très ample et a paru plus boisé cette fois-ci.
Nez sur les fruits noirs, le tabac et le chocolat.
En bouche, Dense et ample, beaucoup de fruits et de bois, tannins charnus et finale très longue.
Encore tout jeune...délicieux mais un peu saturant.
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4/30/2015 - Sotto325 wrote: 88 Points
Unimpressive, to say the least. Given the recently consumed very -nice -to -wonderful bottles of the 2001 or 2004 Bin 904 and 890, and given some of the reviews for this wine, I anticipated more La Rioja Alta complexity and corps.
The wine was pleasant, smooth, but a tiny bit watery and lacking in the necessary smokey clay and cherry characteristics. With a short decant, the nose unfolded decently. These might take more time given the vintage, but not likely.
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4/28/2015 - kbcadeponei wrote: flawed
Ruined!
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4/25/2015 - Derrik Likes this wine: 95 Points
Schönes, blumiges Bukett nach Süsskirsche.
Auch reife Noten von Tabak und Leder, die sich perfekt integrieren.
Am Gaumen schön elegant, wunderbar balanciert, aber prägnant
durch den typisch klassisch langen Fassausbau.
Tragende Säure, geschmeidige Taninne, ein Traumrioja.
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4/20/2015 - Tannatastic Likes this wine: 92 Points
If a wine can be this good from a plastic cup (to be fair on a lovely day in the park with a picnic) then it has to be tremendous.
Its definitely developed since my last note - and whilst this one feels like a bit of a climb down from that - I still reiterate this is one to keep for a while, as it is a more muscular wine than some of its predecessors.
Anyway, its still a very deep colour for an Ardanza, but it has a beautiful bouquet, so quintessentially Rioja - oak, cherry, vanilla etc etc. Drinks fantastically well too, with no noticeable alcohol burn, nor too searing an acidity. I'm not even sure that 92 does the enjoyment justice! Still feels a little young though, like it still has some secrets to reveal given time.
Ardanza comes good again. Why did I ever doubt you? (Though I'm drinking a 2005 next and saving this for a couple of years).
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4/20/2015 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine explodes with flavors.
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4/15/2015 - ctjared Likes this wine:
consistently good
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4/12/2015 - redz wrote: 89 Points
getting a little tired, but still enjoyable
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4/11/2015 - Zinlady Likes this wine: 90 Points
Enjoyed. Dark wine. Some smoke - typical Spanish wine. Went well with cheese -
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4/3/2015 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl, v. good cork. Decanted 1 hour. Not quite as fine as the 2001, this is nonetheless a delicious, traditional, american-oaked-vanilla, skinny red-fruited Rioja approaching full maturity. Crunchy acidity worked well with lamb. (88-)89P
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3/20/2015 - lator wrote: 92 Points
No formal notes. 91-92 points.
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3/20/2015 - Merengue Likes this wine: 92 Points
Upon popping Light brick orange/ garnet color that turned brighter and a deeper cherry with an hr of air. Touch of barnayrd, with brown sugar/light caramel, vanilla and cedar notes that are predominant on the nose but translate differently to a medium to light body frame that exudes on the palate cherry and orange peel notes with lots of tobacco, mushroom and earthy mineral notes ending with juicy mouthwatering acidity. Enjoyed the complexity and evolution of the wine.
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3/17/2015 - Ron Van Holland wrote: 93 Points
Classic Rioja tempranillo color: med-dark ruby with shades of garnet/burgundy/orange. The nose is equally complex: fruit, spice, wood. On the palate: tart, spicy, and moderately restrained, perfectly balanced. Classic Rioja, world-renowned clarity. There must me a potent 80% tempranillo in the bottle, because 20% grenache could emasculate a wine -- but here it only rounds the edges. If you like red Rioja, this is a collector's item.
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3/15/2015 - ItsNotMe Does not like this wine:
First 2 bottles of this case were enjoyable, but the last 2 have an over-the-top fruit and oak character. At this point I regret that I have 8 bottles to go . . .
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3/13/2015 - 32lakeviewwine wrote: 93 Points
Wine has been inconsistent. Some bottles 93, others 88. When it is good...
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3/10/2015 - cliffkol wrote: 90 Points
D - no. (funky, too earthy)
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3/7/2015 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 92 Points
First of 6 bottles so this was a bit of an experiment. Really blossomed after 90 minutes of air. Expressive, classic Rioja nose with a touch of dill. Beautiful cherry fruit and silky tannins. Lost a bit of luster after about four hours. On day 2 this was not as captivating but still delicious.
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3/7/2015 - wdlohr wrote: 87 Points
floral aroma with tastes of deep powder, it has a faded edge to it but balanced.
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3/6/2015 - JuliannaD wrote: 91 Points
We opened another bottle and I am really enjoying this wine. I am very happy to have more of this great wine.
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3/6/2015 - kevin h wrote: 90 Points
My first taste of this. Very polished and refined with good oak integration. Red fruits dominated with a touch of orange peel. Impressive but needs time to develop.
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3/2/2015 - Sijan wrote: 92 Points
Really lovely & classy Rioja with lots of perfume and spice, red fruit, good oak, medium bodied w/silky tannins.
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3/1/2015 - Kevdog Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep dark fruit, polished tannins, long finish. Huge nose with fruit and leather... And the taste follows the nose. This was very bordeux like with leather and pencil mingling in the fruit, and maybe chocolate on the finish. Great value.
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2/25/2015 - texanoblues Likes this wine: 91 Points
Red in the glass with orange hues. Cedar, cherry, and some vanilla on the nose. Sour cherry, leather, and eucalyptus palate. Still quite acidic and I sensed some dusty tannins. This was very well integrated, balanced and, in my mind, a remarkable value. Very hard to find a better wine at this price. Authentic, honest, and almost in the range that I would describe as captivating.
After 4 hrs in the decanter: Wow! The notes that were separate now have become more integrated and this wine is really singing. What a deep expression of exuberance and vivacity this bottle is! It has moved well into the range that I would describe as captivating.....
Not sure what will become of this in years to come, but I am going to try like hell to keep my hands off my remaining three bottles. As good as it is now, I suspect the best is yet to come...
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2/20/2015 - dsilver wrote: 91 Points
Nose of cedar and sandalwood. Some brick. No tannin. Fruit and spice on palate. Ready to drink- downhill from here!
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2/17/2015 - JuliannaD Likes this wine: 92 Points
This seems much more full than a bottle I had few months ago. I still love the old world edge to it but it is surprisingly ripe and new world with all the fruit flavors. I made a great pairing with fresh blackberries.
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2/17/2015 - bsouligny wrote: flawed
bouchonné
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2/17/2015 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ready to drink. Ripe cherry and boysenberry with licorice and cedar undertones on finish. Explosive fruit at first but soft tannins.
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2/16/2015 - gteran76 Likes this wine: 90 Points
This was my second bottle of this wine. The first one I feel it 95 pts. No decanting, not too big glasses. The second bottle was drank yesterday on Riedel Vinum XL glasses, maybe the huge size of this glasses over exposed it to oxygen because the taste was a bit vinegar. Still a good wine though...
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2/8/2015 - km5 Likes this wine:
Pop and poured. With lamb chops, side cheeses and salumi. Very high quality creamy mushroom nose, very compelling and complex, smooth velvety textures. However, near the end, started to thin out and tasting a little more acidic. Drink now.
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2/5/2015 - dankrems wrote: 92 Points
This was awesome. Soft mouthfeel rounded out by age, still a little bit of extra oak that will fade with a few more years. Nose of violets, Indian spices, tobacco, earth and dark fruit, will all of the same on the palate. Just a really nice wine with lots of interesting characteristics. A great value.
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1/28/2015 - Sotto325 wrote: 88 Points
One of the very few rioja Riservas or gran Riservas that did not keep in balance, especially in great vintage like 2004. A 375 at arestaurant was a bit acidic, mixed pale cherry, smoke, clay flavors out of balance and had a nice but not totally pleasung cigar box, mushroom, brambly nose.
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1/25/2015 - winetennis wrote: 92 Points
I echo Mr. dsruban's previous comment: "Red fruit, mouth-watering acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated oak, long finish, this is a killer Rioja. Tannins softened after a few hours of decanting. Drinking beautifully now," I could not come up with a better description; the key with this wine is to let it air for 4-5 hours BEFORE you start your serious consideration.
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1/25/2015 - IceWine wrote:
Buttery...strong flavor.
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1/22/2015 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 86 Points
Meh. Disappointing
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1/21/2015 - DSR Likes this wine: 93 Points
Red fruit, mouth-watering acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated oak, long finish, this is a killer Rioja. Tannins softened after a few hours of decanting. Drinking beautifully now, but could easily last another 10 years.
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1/12/2015 - cheZ joZef Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium red brick color. Wonderful open smoky tobacco cedar and floral nose with cherry and raspberry notes. What is up your nose transfers to an elegant mouth feel and balance. Ample acidity. At a nice stage to drink if you like delicious.
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1/7/2015 - behm0027 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lovely red fruit on the nose, along with hints of tobacco, wet rock. It's reminiscent of wandering through a wine cave, full of aromatic barrels. On the palate, the red fruit shines through, complemented by a little cocao & oak undertones. Beautiful acidity. Well balanced. Lots of life on this vintage.
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1/1/2015 - 560 B&W Likes this wine: 92 Points
decanted but still a bit too much oak on day one. Much better on day two. Needs at least 5 years. 13.5%
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1/1/2015 - EricLi wrote: 90 Points
oaky and a little earthy. Medium bodied. Smooth tannins. Enough acid to balance it out. Good wine for the price.
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12/29/2014 - Fusions33 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good fruit, perfumey, nice earth tones.
Good value for the price (paid $29.99)
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12/28/2014 - Lemmy-W wrote:
made me wonder if bottle was slightly flawed. Don't want to rate as it was not as good as previous ones.
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12/27/2014 - wdlohr wrote: 92 Points
Deep red with structure and balance. It has a dark middle streak with a long lasting finish. Well done
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12/22/2014 - allenn1999 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Light ruby brick color. Nice nose of flowers, spice and American oak. Lively palette of more spices like cumin paprika and other secondary woodsy characteristics with tart cherry and acid with tannins integrated but still making a presence at the end. Pretty good and can still go another decade no problem.
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12/22/2014 - Vinomane wrote:
Very funky nose for LRA. Needs another year to settle down. Clearly bested by the 2001 Ardanza Reserva Especial on this night, though definitely promising.
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12/19/2014 - greidy Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is always so reliable and it is always pleasure to drink…
Spices and cooked cherries, great palate with milk chocolate, nice balance of acidity and tannins and medium/long finish
Very nice indeed!
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12/6/2014 - ccarter5181 wrote: 91 Points
Excellent overall. Great perfumed nose, nice rich red fruits with classic Rioja smooth oak. Nice secondary characteristics. Long satisfying finish. Drinking well now but seems fairly youthful and has some years to go.
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12/6/2014 - cristian_m wrote: 90 Points
Again, La Rioja demonstrates its ability to shine in this offering and vintage. For the QPR, this is a fantastic value. Youthful fruit forwardness but with a backbone that screams lineage and complexity. Round and full mouth feel. Tannins and acid in the right proportions. All wrapping a core of rich red fruit and finished with a long tail of vanilla oakey goodness. Had this together with appetizers focused on a Roquefort cheese theme and it paired very well.
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12/1/2014 - maxima wrote: 85 Points
Nez sur le tabac, le bois et les fruits noirs.
En bouche, assez boisé avec un beau fruit jouflu et une légère amertume. Assez long.
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11/23/2014 - Bill Bucklew wrote: 90 Points
Mixed nose of black and red fruits, very open with a slight earthy note. Medium bodied with medium acidity, similar fruit profile to the nose, macerated black cherries, blackberry and raspberry. Not showing much secondary characteristics, this will improve with a bit more age.
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11/23/2014 - winepaw Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Pleasant aroma of ripe plum and dark berries which continues on the palate; Nice underlying minerality with metallic notes; Medium to full body with ripe fruit balanced against mature oak, soft tannins and good acidity. Fruit is still youthful with ample structure to suggest this will age gracefully for several more years.
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11/23/2014 - K&J Likes this wine: 94 Points
Awesome, classic Rioja. At its peak. My last bottle tasted like it was at the end of its peak but this one was better. Great structure. Best if decant or open bottle for 1 hour+.
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11/20/2014 - SimonN Likes this wine: 93 Points
Third bottle of this and it is still delicious. 11 more to go; I'll do my best to make them last!
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11/20/2014 - GraemeBell wrote:
Very leathery, sour cherries, oak. Still young, would be better to hold on but there is lots going on and shows good promise.
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11/19/2014 - ctjared Likes this wine:
Drinking very well.
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11/19/2014 - socalwinenerd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Approachable nose with mellow notes of leather and dark fruit. This is an enjoyable wine at this stage with some red fruits and a spice on the finish. The wine still grips suggesting cellaring for a few more years.
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11/15/2014 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Very tasty dried cherry and leather, old world style, lots of character. Can drink now but no hurry.
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11/14/2014 - MMiazga wrote: 88 Points
Medium bodied, sour cherries, orange peel. High acidity and loads of oak. Was disappointed given the hype with this one. Little depth and fairly low tannic structure at opening and after a 3 hour decant when the oak started to wear off. Would recommend buying the '07 vina alberdi reserva for half the price over this.
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11/12/2014 - SaveWildlife_NoRatPoison wrote: 89 Points
Dusty leather and earth on the nose. Harsh out of the bottle. Tossed it in the blender since we didn't have our aerator with us. After blending and exposing it to air, it opened up nicely. Served warmer than I usually serve my reds, probably around 60 or 65 degrees.
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11/10/2014 - kingkanu wrote: 88 Points
Still fairly youthful and improved with time in the decanter, decent nose and flavour, lacking something compared to the 2001 especial
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11/10/2014 - JDeLaRosa25 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nose was musty leather and mushrooms upon opening - moderate tannins. Poured light burgundy with orange-ish ring. Decanted for 4 hours, opened up nicely. Alcohol taste subsided, sour cherry on palate - medium finish. Pleasure to drink.
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11/8/2014 - Sir-Harrie wrote: 92 Points
Der Wein passte als Begleiter zu Käsefondue hervorragend. Weich und rund, dabei nie fett, eher filigran. Tolle Kirschnoten, Waldfrüchte. Toller Wein
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11/8/2014 - chbeaumont wrote: 90 Points
Classic, gracefull, not fully ready; refined texture with a freshness to the soft (red) fruit feel.
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11/6/2014 - cliffkol wrote: 91 Points
Delicious, improving with age.
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11/4/2014 - AV2012 wrote: 89 Points
Less fruity than the one magnum we had recently. Love this lean, complex, changing style. Tobacco leaf, cedar, black pepper, lovely.
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11/1/2014 - Rezy13 wrote:
Old World Blind Tasting >$25 (Bin 75): See through crimson with orange rim; dill, vanilla, menthol, strawberry, cherry, Rioja Reserva or higher, bay leaf, mint, sage, herbal, thinner layer of fruit; strawberry, cherry, good acid, oak is tolerable; nailed it on the dot.
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10/31/2014 - DMARTZ wrote: 91 Points
enjoyed this bottle even though I'm not a huge Rioja fan. Big bold fruit.
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10/17/2014 - JuliannaD Likes this wine: 91 Points
The color and body are lightweight but the flavors are not. Delicious and ready to drink. I love the spice and medicinal flavors. The tannins are minimal so I'd drink up.
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10/13/2014 - maxima wrote: 88 Points
Rustique mais Savoureux avec un boisé élégant...va s`améliorer.
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10/12/2014 - BrianT wrote: 71 Points
Vinegar and earth on the nose. Quite sour, earthy, with fine tannins. Had it with bbq pork ribs, which didn't help with the flavor. Had it without any food later, and it was worse. Unfortunately, I have 2 more bottles.
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10/12/2014 - rayq wrote: 92 Points
Lovely traditional profile. Old oak (but not musty or too much coconut/vanilla) with refreshing sappy red fruit profile. Long life ahead of this but drinking really well right now.
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10/5/2014 - ruth3 wrote:
bright cherry dark red fruit, prunes, tobacco with a dry finish.
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10/4/2014 - capacious Likes this wine: 90 Points
Same comments as before
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10/3/2014 - pomelo wrote: 92 Points
Beau vin à conserver quelques années encore.
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10/2/2014 - MB Wine Guy Likes this wine: 91 Points
More dark earth and olive than I remember from my initial tasting six months ago, when vanilla, cedar and plum were the dominant flavors. Still, this amazingly silky and complex Rioja, takes you through a variety of scents and flavors from earth and leather to sour cherry, dark fruit and dried herb ending with a long, pleasant finish.
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9/28/2014 - Kreisman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bark, black pepper, tobacco, cherry and raspberry notes. Medium/full body with good structure and complexity. Will be buying more.
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9/27/2014 - ruth3 wrote: 91 Points
acid, strawberries and red fruit -citrus with an earthy core. Drinking very nicely
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9/25/2014 - Euge67 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Bevuto a Granata (Spagna).
Naso di poltrona in pelle, ribes, un accenno di rosmarino.
In bocca potente con una acidità importante; cane bagnato,ribes, una punta di lampone, albicocca, menta balsamica e in ultimo arriva la liquirizia.... Si ma che fatica 😄
Aperto senza ombra di dubbio troppo presto. Non toccare per almeno altri 3 anni.
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9/24/2014 - WineCPA wrote: 92 Points
Really good recommendation from. The sommelier at Julian Serrano in Las Vegas. A hint of raisin on the nose. Needed a little air & then opened to a medium-full bodied wine full of red fruit, a little more raisin without the sweetness. Long finish that was very satisfying & good with food. Earth tones were also present, but in the background.
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9/24/2014 - dbkitc wrote: 91 Points
(at Bar American – NYC) Delicious, young Rioja. Good fruit and oak spice. There is a good bit of tannin on the finish that suggests a long life. Great value. (91+)
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9/22/2014 - Yiannis Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium garnet colour. Expressive nose with mostly red fruit like cherry and raspberry, floral scents and noticeable barnyard. On the palate it is medium-bodied, elegant and silky-textured with balancing acidity and a medium to long aftertaste. At a nice stage to drink but will hold further. Good value.
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9/22/2014 - Alexjr1 wrote: 91 Points
In my opinion, this is one of the great values of wine out there. For under $30 you can open a bottle and from the first taste to the bottom of the bottle it is enjoyable without getting tired of it. Medium body with nice fruit, but not too much jammy...in your face fruit. A perfect match to go with Manchego and some Spanish Chorizo.
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9/21/2014 - seeker7125 wrote: flawed
Tried today. Tasted very off. I suspect a bad bottle. Will try again with next bottle.
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9/19/2014 - Ajparent Likes this wine: 94 Points
I thought this wine was fantastic. It is drinking spectacularly right now.
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9/17/2014 - la turque wrote: 88 Points
Bitter on the palate. Lack of fruit, too much acidity.
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9/15/2014 - Grochol Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose: dill, cedar, cherry, earthy, leather, macerated strawberry
Taste: medium bodied, high- acidity, medium- tannins, dill, earthy, leather, cherry, stewed strawberry, some vegetal notes but nice, balanced, elegant, good length finish
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9/13/2014 - mat600 wrote: 91 Points
Espagnol moderne en style. Nez et bouche sur les épices, le tabac blond. Longueur très bonne avec un soupçon de goudron sur les tannins. Complexité dans ce vin sur des arômes secondaires qui vaut son prix d'une trentaine de dollars. Déjà ouvert mais peut se conserver longtemps. 91 sur 100.
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9/11/2014 - jshearer wrote:
Much different flavor profile than the bottle I had 2/21/14. Loved that bottle. This one comes across as a little raisiny.
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9/11/2014 - Carvaholic Likes this wine: 91 Points
Had this wine with some marcona almonds and manchego cheese and it was fantastic. I'm not sure it was worth $35, but I liked it.
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9/10/2014 - SaxWine wrote: 93 Points
Outstanding example of a modern Spanish Rioja. Earthy with tar and tobacco notes and lots of black fruit. Very long finish with ample chewy tannins for a balanced, beautiful evening of drinking. Great wine!
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9/7/2014 - Scott Simos wrote: 92 Points
Opened up with a salumi appetizer and enjoyed this wine. Still has a few years to improve and will buy more for future
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9/6/2014 - Redrunners Likes this wine: 91 Points
Popped and poured. Next time I will give it some time in a decanter.
Solid fruit that started a little tart, with tart cherry, vanilla, fig, expresso and mushroom. Starting the transition to the secondary flavors - just starting to form.
Will give the next several bottles a couple of years plus an hour+ decant. Nice wine, but didn't blow me away yet.
However, nice QPR and a solid value for the quality.
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9/4/2014 - Singulatarian Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lighter body than anticipated. Plenty of fresh fruit for a 2004. Will wait a few years for the next one.
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9/2/2014 - Double-A Likes this wine: 95 Points
Aromatic, mushroom, sandalwood, cigar box, leather, prune, and withered wood on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity; bold and distinct replays; balanced tannins, great structure. Finishes complex and spiced.
5/5
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8/28/2014 - Loudounwine wrote:
Delicious wine. Full bodied, lingering peppery finish. Especially good after being opened a couple of hours.
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8/24/2014 - SimonN Likes this wine: 93 Points
Spot on right now. I've tried the 2005 Vina Arana and 2001 904 GR recently and both are excellent. This is just as good.
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8/5/2014 - K&J Likes this wine: 93 Points
Awesome but this bottle tasted like it is just past its peak. I have two more bottles so I will see if it was just the bottle
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8/5/2014 - markcic wrote: 91 Points
This wine is in a good place. Dark fruit on the nose, deep red in the glass, dark fruit with hints of mushroom and coffee on the palate, a nice lingering finish.
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7/31/2014 - bobvictor wrote: 91 Points
Great QPR Rioja. Drinking well now.
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7/15/2014 - calodo2011 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Flashy, but quite the wine. Really impressive w/ high QPR.
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7/15/2014 - calodo2011 wrote: flawed
Corked.
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7/15/2014 - Motz wrote: 91 Points
A friend brought this to a tasting I hosted. The suave and appealing bouquet was a dead giveaway to Rioja, marked by a very pleasant red clay terroir element that also shows on the palate. Juicy, red fruit attack, rounded and texturally intriguing mid palate, complex finish. Great acid and weight. Thoroughly enjoyable. 90-91.
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7/13/2014 - BCharlieG wrote: 90 Points
see prior tasting notes. great wood and oak. more brett on this bottle than previous. awesome wine though in my opinion.
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7/5/2014 - baseballvino wrote: 92 Points
Comparison of 07 Alberdi, 04 Ardanza and 01 Gran Reserva 904. WOTN. Fabulous flavors and great depth.
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7/3/2014 - belfast taxman wrote: 91 Points
Very good fairly traditional Rioja with edge of sweet vanilla oak, lovely red berry fruit and a hint of five spice. Drinking well now. A big improvement on the 2001.
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6/29/2014 - BCharlieG Likes this wine: 91 Points
See prior tasting notes. one of the better bottles I've had. lots of mushroom, herb,wet earth cool. awesome wine.
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6/25/2014 - JuzMaintain Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wish I had waited another 5 years for this one. So much potential but just so young. Tart at first but opened beautifully after awhile. Hints of cedar, tart cherry but black... very black and not in a bad way. Just scrumptious. 2nd bottle of the night. WAIT!
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6/20/2014 - Sennma wrote: 88 Points
Really nice value..shows a decent amount of complexity for the price.
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6/13/2014 - farinas wrote: 91 Points
A nice Rioja straddling between the traditional and the modern world. There is dark fruit, plenty of oak, velvet smoothness, and a heightened acidity that make this quite refreshing and entertaining to drink.
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6/10/2014 - kevin23610 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Seems to be a lot of lower reviews on this. No doubt a lot of WS "hating" going on. Seems to be a trend on CT. Anyway, on the best Temp's I've had in quite some time. Fantastic flavor fruit forward profile with a smooth subtle lingering finish. Great oak and cherry infusion. I will add a few more to the cellar. Truly an award winning Temp well worth the price.
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6/5/2014 - dchoo077 wrote: 91 Points
From 375ml at Les Amis in Singapore. PnP but I found this very approachable from the get go. Well balanced, good freshness, and medium finish. Can taste the oak but I felt that all the components were relatively well integrated. Alot of finesse and a joy to drink.
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6/1/2014 - Oldworlddrinker Likes this wine: 93 Points
Similar to my notes of the 2001, however the 2004 shows more finesse. Notes of sweet spices integrated with vanilla oak.
Overall this is a true representation of a great Rioja, no wonder this was WS #22 of top 100 2013.
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6/1/2014 - spillwine wrote: 87 Points
Du bois plus qu'autre chose, j'avais un meilleur souvenir de ce vin. Il faut beaucoup manger avec. Pas sûr que le temps résorbera le surplus de chêne.
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5/29/2014 - johnh1001 wrote: 91 Points
Same as the last bottle. Big on the oak.
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5/25/2014 - BCharlieG Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with prior tasting notes but this particular bottling has a tremendous amount of bottle variation (i've consumed 6 so far). This was not showing the best bit still great. old word funk, bret, etc. Still lovely.
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5/22/2014 - Connaître Likes this wine: 88 Points
There are better examples of the stunning 2004 Rioja vintage, however, besides the strong oak character, a good and pleasant wine.
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5/21/2014 - Ajvandet Likes this wine: 92 Points
Absolutely loved this wine. Very balanced
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5/18/2014 - alanh13 Likes this wine: 87 Points
First bottle of a case. With BBQ lamb on the warmest day in London so far this year. Quite oaky on opening. Dill, coconut, very American oak. Classic young Rioja. Lovely with lamb (30 minute decant) but even better one hour later.
This will be great but needs a good decant now as oak doesn't quite seem integrated enough.
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5/12/2014 - drumice wrote: 90 Points
Brought to restaurant and enjoyed thoroughly. Unfortunately, didn't decant long enough. Will try again in a few months with a one hour decant. I remember nice scent of dark fruit, cinnamon, a little bit of funk. Same on palette with a nice finish. Will take detailed notes at home next bottle.
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5/9/2014 - Lazerlar Likes this wine: 92 Points
great bottle
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5/5/2014 - JS199 wrote: 92 Points
A little tight compared to the previous bottle, but great never the less. Great wine for the money. 92/93
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5/4/2014 - johnh1001 wrote: 91 Points
Nose of dark fruit, oak, a bit of cedar and touch of chocolate. Great balance and a nice creamy texture. Rich and full. Perhaps a bit modern. Nice full finish.
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5/2/2014 - HowardNZ Likes this wine: 92 Points
2004 Spanish wines at the Magnum Society (Wellington, New Zealand): Colour deep red, a little browning at the edges, suggesting some evolution. The colour was different from the other five wines, suggesting this may be the traditional Rioja of the six. This impression is confirmed on bouquet, a funky nose of spicy plums, earth, tar, underbrush, tobacco and some Provencal herbs, over a core of rich red fruits. A soft, savoury entry to the palate, a little tart (as a positive descriptor). Sappy with nice, firm acidity, good structure and excellent fruit weight. Savoury, mellow flavours of mushrooms, earth, brushwood and tobacco, more prominent than with the other wines. This traditional wine went beautifully with food. Harmonious with its wood well integrated. The same two days later. Drinking well now but ideally needs five years. A wine for those, like me, who like more traditional Rioja. Tempranillo 80%, Garnacha 20%.
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5/1/2014 - VinoPKM wrote: 91 Points
Great wine for the money and very happy.
Smoke, tobacco and red fruits.
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5/1/2014 - galewskj wrote: 89 Points
Some funk, red fruit, a little oak. Nice, no wow factor.
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5/1/2014 - pifcho Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ripe and smooth with a very good balance and length. Fair amount of minty oak, but not over the top. Comes across as very polished, but lacking some excitement. Crowd pleaser.
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4/30/2014 - Osiris021 Likes this wine: 93 Points
No formal notes.
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4/27/2014 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
Monthly Tasting Group: Spain (Solera, Mpls, MN): Very dark red color. 2oz pour over 1.5hrs. I liked this a lot. Showed good balance, drinking well currently (not sure what this got for a decant), There is a little funk, some dry forest floor, dried berries, raspberry, wood spice: the palate shows dark cherry, raspberry, anise, smoke and some mixed spices with a touch of oak. Medium body and medium plus finish.
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4/22/2014 - scott w Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big floral nose with plum black cherry and a bit of oak..left in the decanter for 2 hours and the wine was singing. Dark cherry, plum, spicy a hint of tart cassis, complexity in waves good acid and fine tannin. So good I drank the whole bottle by myself over 5 hours..ugghh
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4/21/2014 - cjsadler Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit tart at the moment, but clearly a delicious, complex wine. Should be great with some time.
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4/20/2014 - Gooka wrote: 90 Points
Very enjoyable and balanced medium to full bodied red. Good acidity, reasonable tannins and lovely red fruits on the palate. A huge amount of oak dominates the nose.
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4/20/2014 - wineaficionado Likes this wine: 90 Points
You can see through the wine. Orange hues. Notes of beewax, oranges. Same on the palate. Balsamic aromas, too. Reminds me rather of a Nebbiolo based wine than anything else. Drink now.
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4/14/2014 - Boskoop2 wrote: 89 Points
Great wine not as heavy
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4/13/2014 - richshoes Likes this wine: 91 Points
should be better than what I experienced. a little bit overhyped. great lean, elegant structure with quite a bit of smokiness and gameyness, but also unbalanced. still young
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4/12/2014 - Herschel Krustofski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Trial balloon: It needs an hour to mellow and an extra hour to open up. The trouble with having it in a restaurant is that the meal is over by the time it's ready (half-bottle at Tertulia, New York).
Nevertheless, this is great wine but needs time.
Starts off with a strong strawberry nose. More complex red-fruit profile after 90 minutes (with leather and plum indeed and perhaps a hint of hibiscus and cardamon too).
In my opinion the 2001 are just beginning to blossom. The 2004s should be kept for a while. Drink 2016-2024+ and make sure to let it breath. I won't be touching the bottles in my own cellar for a few more years. 90-92+
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4/12/2014 - Rexel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Smell: flower, tobacco, leather.
Taste: Black pepper, plum, find some oregano spice!, medium soft tannins. I like it!
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4/6/2014 - JS199 wrote: 93 Points
Tasted blind. Out of the gate, very impressive. Pretty much blown away. However, after a couple hours it fanned out and changed. I thought it was better early. Pretty fruit with a seductive personality to it. For the money($30), its a great value. 92/93
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4/5/2014 - df1962 wrote: 88 Points
Opened two hours before serving as part of 2004 Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva tasting.
Purple garnet with slight orange on the rim. Leathery barnyard plummy nose. Medium(-) very smooth. Zippy cranberry slightly sour flavors. Seems to be a lot of variation in these bottles.
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4/5/2014 - pvmaanen Does not like this wine:
Lightly acid for mi taste. Decanted to soften it but did not made too much of a difference. I don't love Rioja's in general because of that characteristic.
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4/5/2014 - duggarm@outlook.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stone fruit on the palette. Soft tannins. Good acidity. Great balance and length. Medium bodied, but floaty in a way that old vines can be. I don't yet know much about Spanish wines, but have heard that the 2004 vintage was a big one for Spain. From that perspective I was expecting bigger fruit. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this bottle.
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4/4/2014 - Stockgorilla wrote: 90 Points
Reddish to brown on the eyes. One of the top 25 wines for 2013. Balanced tannins. Great finish.
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4/2/2014 - Petek26 wrote: 93 Points
Garnet, absolutely delicious, smooth and complex at the same time. Must Find!
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4/2/2014 - michigan dogs wrote: 85 Points
Bottle was off, not as bad as the previous one, though it seemed defective, I'll give it the benefit of doubt and rate it 85, otherwise a 70
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4/1/2014 - km5 wrote:
Much better bottle. More fruit more complexity, jam funk leather rocks. Strong nose and long finish. Great value. I wonder if this bottle is from the first or second place I bought from. Not as acidic or tasteless. I love it!
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3/28/2014 - pepmi wrote: 88 Points
A wild, funky nose that jumped right out of the bottle when I popped the cork -- as if musty dark spirits escaped with the cork like a genie from her lamp. In the glass, the color is translucent garnet with bright crimson highlights imagining the priest's chalice lifted to his holy god. The viscosity is beyond description. The legs drip down the glass sensuously and appear to be centimeters thick; the word unctuous does not due justice. Tasting the wine almost seems irrelevant at this point. What does it matter when it looks this good in the glass?
In the mouth there is a still a resident must but this is now overshadowed by herbs, incense and dark wood. The finish is not overpowering and if anything the final impression remains of must. One feels compelled to lift the glass again, in search of further nuance and perhaps the final absence of that dry must. The wine is not flawed or corked just slightly imperfect.
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3/26/2014 - DrWal Likes this wine: 92 Points
Double decant through Menu decanter. Very nice balance and the tannins were smooth. The nose was delicious but subdued. The nose really opened up the second and third day. Will wait a couple more years before popping another bottle.
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3/22/2014 - CosmicDude Likes this wine: 91 Points
The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle.
It smells like cool/menthol, prune, raisin, plum, mushroom and cedar. It tastes like mineral, light toast and black pepper. The body is medium. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity.
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3/22/2014 - PaulusLoZebra Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium body, medium color, red fruit nose with hints of sweet spices; smooth and complex fruit and floral flavors with some lingering minerality on the longish finish, fine tannins. Sappy and delicious. Delicious traditional Rioja at a great QPR, this wine is refined and layered yet very easy to drink.
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3/21/2014 - Paul S wrote: 91 Points
From a 375ml at Les Amis. I wish more Riojas were made like this - traditional, unpretentious, eminently drinkable, but full of character and great with food. This was lovely stuff. 80% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, it was made in a very traditional way, with three years in American oak barrels with two rackings a year, followed by three years in bottle before release. There was a really pretty nose of sweet cherries, wild berries and cassis scents, along with some briar, spice and gentle curls of cigarette smoke, with just the lightest hint of sweet oak in there somewhere. The palate was very gulpable indeed, with bright, high-toned flavours of dark cherries and plums and some cassis spiked with super-lively, juicy, bright acidity. Past the midpalate, there was a little dusting of powdery tannins, a hint of oak and a nice seasoning of earthy spice, with and dried flowers and herbs - like sage and thyme with a hit of menthol cigarettes - all deliciously complex little nuances that rounded the wine off very nicely. This was very nice to drink even today, and absolutely beautiful with a pink cut of Australian Wagyu beef. It will go on developing for quite a few years yet though - there was still something youthful about this: a sense of primary thickness on the fruit, a slight chew from the tannins, and some stirring acidity on the back-end. I think it will be lovely in 3-4 years. 91+
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3/17/2014 - BCharlieG Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine is outstanding. The bottle needs about 30 minutes to come together (I did a decant then back to bottle) and smells like a new wood barreling room. The use of oak here on this reserva is absolutely beautiful. The fruit is delicate with very noticeable rim variation. Strong scents of red cassis, hints of currant, almond skin and beautiful sweet red apple, baked pomegranate and raspberry. very much red fruit now picking up a dried flower elemant (roses and orchids) with a cool minty edge - herbal characteristics and i thought a little light on fruit until it blossomed about an hour later. This wine is outstanding...match for me would be grilled chicken, something lean and light like pork. The fruit is peaking and I'd be drinking this now. Bought 3 more bottles.
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3/8/2014 - redz wrote: 92 Points
decant 1-2 hours, delicious nose of a new england barn, medium body, deep cassis and leather palate.
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3/7/2014 - CondorKhan wrote: 91 Points
Pours deep ruby with bricking at the rims. Very strong aroma of oak and dried cherries. Medium body. On the palate, dark cherry, musty basement, leather, earth and a big hit of oaky vanilla. At first, the oak is overpowering but it rounds off quite neatly with air time and even more so in the presence of food. Actually, a couple of glasses in and eating it with roasted potatoes and ribeye, this is absolutely delectable. Something about this wine and the roasted potatoes just works. The last drops from the bottle are pure maraschino cherry.
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3/6/2014 - brianngibson wrote: 92 Points
Light bricking, dried berries and funk on the nose. Cassis, cedar, figs, and licorice with good balance of acidity that keeps this a little lighter and not too heavy.
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2/27/2014 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 88 Points
Open 2 days. Well-colored, deep red. Opaque. A little orange at the rim. Nose has lots of dill and cedar. Good palate, medium bodied with plenty of fruit. A bit rustic. Decent finish, a bit oaky. 4-12-15-7: 88/100.
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2/26/2014 - jjou Likes this wine: 89 Points
Red fruit, spices, tobacco, and a savory note. Currently a bit sweet for me - wouldn't mind a bit more acid. Very approachable.
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2/24/2014 - fc1910 wrote: 88 Points
the quite typical LRA- nose, compote, overripe fruit, spicy, on the palate quite peppery, basket full of other spices, concentrated, good structure, dark berries, very good finish, but this is not the 2001......, some years to go so I would wait 3+ years to open the next bottle, 87- 91?
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2/23/2014 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Interesting wine. Middle weight, mixed red and black fruit, a funky nose, sour cherry, fairly smooth with a spicy/acidic and mildly vegetal finish. The finish is very much like a right bank bordeaux with a cab franc flavor profile. Not bad but I think there are better 2004 Reservas at the price point.
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2/23/2014 - cliffkol wrote: 90 Points
Came in second against Corelium 2005
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2/23/2014 - BCharlieG Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is drinking great with a fast decant. Wonderful notes of dill and coconut from American wood. Not throwing any tannins so didn't need a filtered decant (thought it would given traditional method). Beautiful elegant extraction and high acid. Fruit integration of baked strawberry, baked raspberry and cool red cherry with cherry fruit leather and bay leaf herbal element. Nice mouthfeel, round and full. great wine in general. more detailed notes on the next bottle but these are rocking now.
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2/21/2014 - jshearer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really like the nose. Interesting. Strawberry balsamic, vanilla, and tobacco. Also some mysteriously unidentifiable savory minerality. Medium body, dark red fruit, and nice balance on the mid-palate. Tannins really dry out the entire mouth into the finish but are well-integrated and not abrasive. I want to revisit in 5 and 25 years.
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2/20/2014 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 88 Points
Popped and poured at home. All I can say is "wow!" Luscious ruby red, lightening toward the rim. Somewhat viscous, not opaque but dark. Lovely melange of red fruit and oak in the nose is very attractive. Wordier on the palate but still with plenty of complex fruit flavors to stand up to the wood. Quite smooth and sleek as far as mouthfeel. Wood dominates a bit in the finish, but this is still nice. 4-13-14-7: 88/100. Will it plump up with air?
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2/18/2014 - Matches wrote: 91 Points
This bottle better than the last. Likely my palate and not actually bottle variance.
Classic old school Rioja, but a touch less fruit-stew-y than others. The lovely acids give a bright lift to the wine.
Wonderful!
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2/17/2014 - Levinsb wrote: 90 Points
Medium body red fairly acidic which cuts through rich food. Tart cherry strawberry rhubarb fruit with significant vanilla oak. Lengthy finish from the juicy acidity.
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2/15/2014 - cliffkol wrote: 91 Points
Ray and Yvette's house - dinner (Miami, FL): Needs 45 min decant. Medium body. Muted flavors of dark fruits, bramble, soil, tobacco. Well integrated, smooth. Everyone enjoyed this wine, a crowd pleaser.
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2/13/2014 - andrewctorrens wrote:
Light color. Well-balanced. Well integrated tannins. Solid acid structure. Strawberry, rhubarb pie, sour cherry, mint, tobacco, tar.
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2/13/2014 - Bin3016 wrote: 90 Points
We decanted this for 2 hours before serving. This is a little funkier than most Tempranillos, but very interesting and enjoyable. We paired it with a picadillo dish that had many layers of flavors and the pairing worked very well.
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2/11/2014 - Empirate wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 1.5 hours. Inviting freshness on the nose. Medium-light bodied. Layers of dark fruit. Balanced toward acid. Quite good, buy again under $30.
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2/10/2014 - df1962 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious and better than the bottle I had from a friend's cellar.
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2/10/2014 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is full of funk and interest. The aroma is all over the place. Pungent cedar, licorice, espresso, chocolate cake, baking spices, vanilla, very tart cherries, smoked meat, and vegetal notes. Tannins are moderate and firm. Acidity is very high.
Most of the time, Rioja tastes to me like a noble mix of blueberries, oak, tobacco, and vanilla. But sometimes, it tastes like this--wild, inelegant, and fascinating.
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2/9/2014 - Chip Merlot Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Huge disappointment here for 25 dollars. Really nice and promising on the nose initially with cedar on day 1 and a pleasantly prune-y note on day 2, but way too acidic. Thick legs on the glass confused me because it felt diluted - maybe because of the acid.
Perhaps this bottle was flawed, but I don't think so. I would be interested to try another bottle but not at that price.
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2/8/2014 - pa81 Likes this wine:
Rioja red, tinge of bricking; fist nose - somewhat musty, wood and tart red fruit; second - more prominently fruit. Medium/Light bodied, nice acidity, and smoothly integrated wine with some woodyness. Somewhat short finish. Most prominent flavor I get is slightly tangy red fruit.
Recommended
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2/4/2014 - ItamarL wrote: 89 Points
Nice deep red brown color.
Very nice vanilla and stinky nose (vineyards stink). Wow. Red current as well.
Nice acidity, clean, sweet, and again, vanilla palate. Liked. Nice med tannin, med long after taste.
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2/1/2014 - S1 wrote:
Gotta Drink (It's for the kids): Slow ox for about 6 hours. Upon opening I am struck by wintergreen and vanilla, cedary oak. There seems to be dark fruit to balance. 6 hours later the fruits are tangy and red (some plum) with mild tannins. The oak is not too intrusive but still more than I like on Tempranillo. I like the acidity quite a lot but find this wine rather one dimensional with very little of the orange, clove spice and cigar I like on Rioja.
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1/27/2014 - mercer22 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very good.
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1/25/2014 - Bbuka wrote: 92 Points
Spicy, brisk - I've been drinking Riojas for years but this one's different. Has a real, not sweet, vanilla and oak finish. More complex than usual. Early call on this 10 year maturation. Huge undervalue, great buy at $25.
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1/21/2014 - km5 wrote:
Taste what others have noted, medium bodied, oak, acidity, cedar. To me it's light but pleasant. Not much of a finish. Def a few more years could make it more refined. Tannins can be felt but not bad.
Good with rich buttery carb dishes. I had grassfed steak and veggies instead. The acidity will cut thru it.
*****2nd Night Update******
Much better tonight. Finished last half the bottle and it was wonderful.
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1/17/2014 - tb_baltimore Likes this wine: 93 Points
Not sure how I've ended up being so early on the write-ups for this one. The 2001 had a huge number of reviews (maybe due to the NY Times write up on Rioja). I can't directly compare the two vintages. But, compared to the Rioja that I usually find (ie not aged to this level and/or not produced to this quality level), this is a huge step up in quality. Generally I seem to be drinking a Rioja that is much rougher and much more similar to a cough syrup brand. This is smooth, well-crafted, and a total pleasure. The nose is cherry, red berry, and Asian spice with a sense of a ripe Spring day. The taste is one that builds with modest tannins, cherry, red fruit, vanilla and spice. It's not fruit forward and not dominated by alcohol. Excellent.
(note added: I did a little more reading and it may be that it was mislabeled in the Calvert Woodley computers, it said Especial, but there's many more entries for the Reserva and I don't see on the Producer's web page anything about a Especial designation, so I suspect this is actually the same as what others (about 152 others) have been commenting on)
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1/15/2014 - PT insurgent wrote:
WSET Level 3; 1/13/2014-1/17/2014 (WSET School, London): Pronounced nose of prune, stewed strawberry, strawberry jam, vanilla.
Medium acid, medium tannin, strawberry jam, chocolate, vanilla, pepper.
Long finish.
Very good wine.
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1/11/2014 - therhonestore wrote: 88 Points
Clear medium brick color. Notes of cedar, oak, wet hay, medium iron. Medium to full body, with cherry, spick oak, medium acid. Interesting, but somewhat lacking in fruit.
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1/9/2014 - Yagil wrote: 90 Points
Meat evening at Rishon LeZion farm (Tamar & Avi (Arnoldo's patient)): Transparent red brown color
Ripe cherries, Earthy leather developed tertiary aromas with smoky notes
Ripe tannins, savory fruity flavors, some veggie flavors, med harmony, good acidity, long ripe cherries aftertaste
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1/9/2014 - wanderer888 wrote: 90 Points
It hits the palate immediately with sweet spicy note with a sharp bite but no significant on tongue. It ends pleasantly without heavy prolonged finish.
No need to aerate and can drink anytime.
I was drinking and comparing it w muga 2009 reserva and and muriel 2008 crianza, it seems that im now focused on exploring alta ardanza of good years.
Pulpo al ajillo and chorizo works well with it.
Paprika spicy chorizo hits palate immediately, no wonder it blended well.
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1/8/2014 - Yannisf wrote: flawed
Flaw
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1/7/2014 - michigan dogs wrote: flawed
My experience was nothing like the other posters. It did not taste Spanish. More like a bad French wine, barnyard, brett?, it may have had some reasonable qualities like smooth, but flavor was definitely lacking. I have two more bottles, so hopefully it was just a bad bottle
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1/6/2014 - mattyboy_ Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Rioja. Lovely expression of the region. As old school as you can get in 2004. Love the character of the Tempranillo. The wines are powered by acidity and have wonderful movement. Good purity and classically styled. These need a lot more time. 92-94 pts.
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1/5/2014 - cybergod wrote:
Very good, but this bottle was also surprisingly evolved. Tasted like it was several years older than the vintage date, with secondary fruit and honey notes, wood elements and not a lot of tannin structure. Makes me wonder if this bottle is representative or not.
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1/1/2014 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 94 Points
Just tasted a 2004 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva from Rioja, Spain. Medium crimson color turning to rust at the rim with a nose of dried herbs and leather. The palate is dry, soft and delicate with flavors of smoke, currant, suede leather and dried tarragon leaves. Finishes long, balanced and elegant with hints of tobacco leaves. Drink now until 2024.
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12/31/2013 - Too much practice. wrote: 91 Points
I ordered 8 bottles up for a NYE dinner party (lamb) but have put 7 back in the cellar after tasting the first one. It is just too early to drink this wine at the moment. It will bring pleasure. With patience it will bring delight. Wait, wait, wait [I sound like my other half]. It was an 84pt wine when I opened the bottle, and I am sure it has 96 pt potential. But it is unbalanced by tannins and smokey oak. Will serve the bottle in a few hours and see what happens.
TWO DAYS LATER: this was good. It is still all deep crowded notes, with very little in the mid and upper range (leather, oak, earth, smoke, etc), and I really want that range of flavours. It is like listening to beautiful music through broken speakers: muffled bass instead of swirling stereo. And while it was still good (86pts?), I will use 2016 as a first drinking date: tho I won't last a day beyond 1 Jan 2016. It is an exciting bottle.
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12/29/2013 - WojoWineCave Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wine dinner with the Johnson's (Our lake house): Very complex wine. Recent award of #22 on WS top 100 of 2013. This wine will go for another 15 years. Earthy and spiced. Lots of mineral.
It smells like Black Pepper, Cedar, Cedar, Oak, and Lead Pencil. It tastes like Forest floor, Mineral, and Stoniness. The body is Full. The wine has Leathery texture. The wine finishes Long. Great QPR. Best with food. Went well with baby back ribs and Brussels sprouts.
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12/25/2013 - CyroW wrote: 92 Points
great Rioja example, deep colour, it has aromaitcs and great balance between extraction/wood and fruit. this Reserva can go on for a few more years. it can actually compete with Gran Reservas by unleashing nice fruits right away. a great balance between modern and classical rioja; it is easily available a nice wine does not have to be hard to access to be really enjoyable!
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12/22/2013 - ksde wrote: 91 Points
Gets better after a few hours of decanting.
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12/22/2013 - Monsieur le Comte wrote: 93 Points
musty sour cherry, dill, leather, mushrooms, salt, earth...juicy and animating
slim, crisp and elegant, classic!
PURE SILK
great value
this is a wine for connoisseurs
obvious 93
due to the acid one should consider to pair this wine with food if you are going to drink the whole bottle^^
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12/20/2013 - Jonny d wrote: 96 Points
I'm not a huge Tempranillo fan, but this one caught my attention-- so much that I've laid a bunch down. Shared a bottle with friends over a roast pork loin with romesco sauce. Earthy, tobacco, spice notes, finished with stewed dark fruit. Great stuff. Still very much at the front end of its drinking window.
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12/19/2013 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Vina ardanza knocking it out of the park again. Seriously the qpr king. Great great wine for the price. Not as lovely and inviting as the 2001 but nothing is. Slightly darker and more serious. Still classic with medium body and cherry stewed fruit leather orange n oak. This is one of the few ones worth buying in the case and aging even tho ur not a millionaire.
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12/17/2013 - redders Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep colour vanilla oak and good fruit. Oak does not obscure the wine which is classy and delicious now but needs a few years to hit its stride
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12/17/2013 - cliffkol wrote: 90 Points
Old world style. Dry, muted fruit, intense flavors of soil, prunes, spices. Deep and rich. Medium but firm tannins, well integrated and perfectly balanced. (Doris loved this wine)
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12/17/2013 - Jasper May wrote: 91 Points
Orange/red at the rim, tending to mid/dark red at the centre - bright, but almost curdled nose. Fresh, layered and intense on the palate, well judged balance of sweetness and acidity, deep and evocative - really rather lovely. Plenty of life ahead, the barrel aging has developed this wine, rather than knocking the stuffing out of it. Cracking classic Rioja.
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12/16/2013 - Fat Lips Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent classic Rioja with an exquisite aroma of soil, leather, and mushrooms. The palate follows the nose with tobacco, soil, prune, dry fruit, and spice. This wine is well balanced with low but lively acidity and pleasant and firm tannins. It finishes beautifully with lingering cherry and plum. Don't miss it if you like an earthy, classic Rioja.
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12/15/2013 - bacchus wrote: 92 Points
had dinner at porter house new york with joe and ruth guido. came here after reading forbes magazine recommendation. the setting was gorgeous. we were given a table by the window with a view of lower central park and central park south. joe and ruth were drinking something else so i shared this 1//2 bottle with pat. i selected this wine since rioja is getting a lot of attention lately and i wanted to guide my purchases. after coming home and researching the wine, i see that it is #22 on spectator 100 list. my tasting impressions confirm that this wine warrants much praise. it is remarkably approachable considering that the wine is intended to be cellared for at least 5 more years. i found youthful color with no variation at the edge. very expressive nose. lots of rich dark fruit. perfectly balanced. oak and tannins do not get in the way. will look for this at retail.
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12/15/2013 - drwine2001 wrote:
Spanish Temperanillo (SF Wine Trading Company): Medium center, lighter edge. Pretty, high toned perfume. Lighter weight than anything else in the flight. Subtle, delicate fruit is balanced by soil and acidity with a small hint of neutral wood at the end. What a relief to try something more classic after the more cartoonish, outsized wines.
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12/15/2013 - Mjurgaitis wrote:
Very green, thin and acidic. Drank over 4 hours and kept hoping the strong taste of dill would fade away; it didn't. Either this was a bad bottle or needs much more time in the cellar.
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12/12/2013 - Phenol73 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opens with a nose of dried figs, black cherries, Christmas cake, ginger and some fennel seed. Very intoxicating; opulent. Acidity is adequate and tanins are rich and still quite tight. Lots of backbone here. After a few hours there is a more discernible scent of leather in the background. The mid-palate can be a bit soft and fruit does not initially punch as well as the nose. Can taste a touch sour at times, though not enough to really detract. This is a rich and very enjoyable wine.
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12/10/2013 - mschede Likes this wine: 91 Points
Elegante, muito equilibrado e com boa complexidade, tendo corpo médio, bela acidez e um discreto toque picante. Esse foi no decanter e se mostrou ligeiramente mais evoluído que o anterior (10/2013). Continuará evoluindo bem e provavelmente durará até meados da próxima década.
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12/9/2013 - Decanting fool wrote: 94 Points
A combination of searing minerality and crushed blueberries evocative of a great Cornas, set against silky tannins and refined but distinct oak. This one is a winner and a great bargain. Delicious now, it will keep softening for well over a decade.
Revisiting this wine a few months later, I find it even more seductive, as well as intellectually pleasing. But if you're a fruit bomber look elsewhere. That's not what this wine is about.
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12/7/2013 - RussK Likes this wine: 91 Points
Russk. GC Holiday Party. My WOTN. Pablo brought. In just the right place now. Nicely proportioned. Guessed it brown bag. Completely outshined the 2001 Alta 904. Declining to 90 on day 3.
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12/6/2013 - marcomp Likes this wine: 95 Points
A very beautiful wine. Medium bodied. Leather on the nose and palate. Fruity, smokey and smooth.
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12/2/2013 - TheWinedown Likes this wine: 93 Points
93+ (better the first night) NOSE: Red currant, stewed strawberries, stone, earth, dry leather. PALATE: Med-plus acid (very nice), medium tannins (lush, integrated), medium body, long length. Similar flavors as scents on the nose. Went beautifully with ribeye, but this has enough acid to pair with italian dishes with lots of sauce. For $30, this is awesome. I should have bought a case.
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11/24/2013 - pjaines wrote:
Less aggressive than I was expecting, but at this young young age this is all about deep vanilla and black fruit. Come back in 15 years!
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11/24/2013 - Bordeauxman wrote: 90 Points
no notes. solid rioja and it will shine in years to come.
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11/13/2013 - DRK III Likes this wine: 89 Points
Vanilla, sour cherry, dill, and mushroom smells and flavors dominate this wine. Medium bodied with ripe tannins. Plush and mature. The granache preserves the fruitiness while the tempranillo keeps it dry and old world in style. Nice front and mid palate, but the finish was a little sour. Acidity was a bit much, but still enjoyable.
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11/11/2013 - TexasBob Likes this wine: 90 Points
East asian spices, including cardamon and caraway seed. Lovely vanilla, slight vegetal edge that I think will fade within a few years.
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11/9/2013 - sahirazam wrote:
Drank one glass via Coravin
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11/6/2013 - lembkes Likes this wine: 89 Points
- klart rödbrunt utseende med medelhög intensitet
- ren mogen doft med medelhög intensitet med en fruktig fatig karaktär och vaniljinslag, choklad dill
- torr relativt fyllig smak med balanserad strävhet och syra. fatig fruktig karaktär med inslag av vanilj torkat frukt och dill
- hög alkoholhalt med lång fatig svans
- ett bra vin som dricks nu och nåt år framåt med en temp av 16 grader till en mustig köttgryta
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11/2/2013 - Yagil wrote: 89 Points
see previous TN
recommendation: uncork at least 4 hours prior to consuming, but serve at 18c.
12 hours later, the next day: the aroma and palate improved
- the aroma includes notes of smoked meat
- the palate shows intense earthy notes, but lacks complexity, which was evident at all recent 4 tastings of this wine made during the last 30 days
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10/30/2013 - wdlohr wrote: 85 Points
light red in color with aromas of green powder. It has a stilted green structure with a hint of vinegar.
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10/28/2013 - Umay Ceviker wrote: 94 Points
Saturated ruby with brick rim. I may be readily biased about this wine as the accompanying food at La Vina del Ensanche, Bilbao was excellent and I like the unpretentious, traditional style of the producer. The perfumed nose offers tobacco leaf and vanilla upfront with an array of red dried berries and various spices layered with an earthy frame. Mid weight with silky texture, with fine grained tannins while enticing and racy in its flavours. Delicate and exuberant at the same time. Great wine.
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10/27/2013 - wadrian57 Likes this wine: 91 Points
I was a big fan of the 2001 reserva especial which was a great wine with layer after layer of subtle but complex fruit.
Just opened my first bottle of the 2004 reserva with a shoulder of lamb. A lovely red/brown brick colour and a very different wine from the 2001 - much more of a classic Rioja with lots of leather and a soft hint of cigar smoke; think traditional gentleman's club. The 20% Garnacha still provides a hint of ripe cherry fruit on the palette. I am a big fan of Rioja and this a very good example. Drinking well now, but with plenty of life left for another 10 years or so.
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10/24/2013 - clio_wine Likes this wine:
Very Good. Dark purple to the rim. Dusty aromas. Dry; dark fruits, earth, smoke and leather. We dd not do this justice: popped and poured and drank relatively quickly. It opened up beautifully in the glass over about half an hour. Just delicious and a real treat. <Wow/Very Good/Good/Fair/Plonk>
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10/24/2013 - Yagil wrote: 89 Points
See my previous TN
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10/22/2013 - Yagil wrote: 91 Points
See my previous TN
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10/20/2013 - Osiris021 wrote: 91 Points
No formal notes.
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10/17/2013 - Yagil wrote: 89 Points
Transparent red brown color
Ripe cherries, Earthy leather developed tertiary aromas with smoky notes
Ripe tannins, savory fruity flavors, some veggie flavors, med harmony, good acidity, long ripe cherries aftertaste
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10/13/2013 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 88 Points
80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. Complex nose of cherries, plums, spice, cedar. Easy drinking, light to medium bodied. Pleasant food wine.
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10/12/2013 - mschede Likes this wine: 91 Points
80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha. 36 meses em barricas de carvalho americano de 4 anos. 13,5% abv. Ainda meio novo, um pouco fechado. Nariz com boa fruta sutilmente madura e outras notas mais complexas ainda um pouco tímidas, tendo algo de boa madeira velha e especiarias. Muito equilibrado, de médio corpo, com excelente acidez e final de boca notavelmente longo. Trata-se de um vinho bastante elegante, que apenas começou a evoluir. Certamente merece mais alguns anos guarda.
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10/7/2013 - spo Likes this wine: 89 Points
This wine has well integrated and complex flavors. Elements of it remind me of cherry, leather, dust, balsamic, forest, cedar and chocolate. It is tannic, drinks well in spite of that but lacks the cohesion of a completely resolved wine.
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10/3/2013 - yofog wrote: 92 Points
Sweet fruit on nose and palate, and chewy for an Ardanza, though still thoroughly within a traditional frame. Hint of funk, hint of wood, much less dill and spice than the '01. Good depth. I think it shows promise, but with the amount of bottle variation you get with these, I'll have to retry sometime.
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9/30/2013 - silton Likes this wine:
Haven't had a Rioja in forever, and this hit the spot. Juicy cherries and musky plum along with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and spice. Medium to light on its feet, with depth and class on the nose and the finish. 90+
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9/27/2013 - shleepy wrote: 93 Points
Red-brown color. Smells a bit gamey, a little spicy, but has some oak and brighter notes, too - vague fruitiness and chocolate. Body is light. Great level of acidity.
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9/22/2013 - BadOyster wrote: 91 Points
A great example of a powerful wine with grace. The years have treated this one well.
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9/18/2013 - fwota Likes this wine: 90 Points
Mid-bodied. Decant this wine at least 30 min (I didn't but should have). Musty forest floor, tobacco on the nose. First sip was full of cranberries, red currants, cedar, rounding out with dark cherries, tobacco, and mulling spices. Started very tart and a tad "hot", but not too fruit forward. As it opened up and breathed, it rounded out and the richer flavors came through, but there's an underlying tartness and vague citrus quality. Can probably stand to age several more years. Great wine.
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9/18/2013 - CWilliam wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes before enjoying with dinner.
On nose, earthy, leather, cherrry, cedar. Medium body, high acidity and cherry/dried cherry / cranberry flavor profile. Medium+ to long finish - great with food. Very enjoyable if you like traditional Rioja. 92+ Would buy again.
To me, this drank similarly to the '01 Reserva Especial which I rated similarly.
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9/14/2013 - capacious Likes this wine: 90 Points
The 01 reserva especial is somewhat more complex but the 04 reserva is a well made and already very drinkable- both are remarkable values and at this price worth putting a case or two away- continue to find multiple opportunities to drink and a crowd pleaser for all and often a surprise for "aficionados" who like us don't drink Rioja that often
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9/8/2013 - WillersC wrote: 89 Points
Solid Rioja, nice nose and good attack initially but fades quickly on the palate. Maybe it will develop with time
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9/6/2013 - pkatz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Light body and light color. Required about a 1 hour decant to show its stuff. Mature, elegant and tasty once it opened up with a nice fruit tannin balance. Good food wine. Pretty decent value for a mature wine.
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9/6/2013 - boschem wrote: 87 Points
Let it breath for a few hours. Lovely classic Rioja nose, but a somewhat disappointing flavour/finish. Not sure if it's the bottle -hopefully not as I have another!
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9/6/2013 - NostraBacchus Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark ruby/garnet color. Nose of tobacco, smoke, oak, cherries, plums and some minerals. On the palate there are notes of cherries and plums again, licorice, leather, earth and tobacco. Medium-full body and medium+ acidity and tannins. Very long finish. Great mix of traditional Rioja flavor profile and structure but with some more density and extraction. Still pretty young but I'm sure this will age into something very beautiful... especially considering the great value.
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9/1/2013 - K&J Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good, solid great Rioja wine. One of the best wines from Rioja under $30.
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8/30/2013 - Matches Likes this wine: 88 Points
Bought, brought home, poped and poured.
Classic old-school Rioja nose and color. Instantly recogziable as an old world Rioja, and very similar to other LRA wines.
This is a lighter bodied wine with bright and refreshing acidity. Almost citrus like. Tannins not too agressive, but will smooth out with another couple of years.
Great drinking now. The more wine like this I drink, the less I like Napa wine...
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8/28/2013 - lembkes Likes this wine: 89 Points
-klart vin med rödbrun färgnyans och medelhög intensitet
-doften är ren mogen med medelhög doft och fruktig fatig karaktär med vanilj torkad frukt choklad och dill
- smaken är torr fruktigt fatigt vin som är relativt fyllig med balanserad strävhet och syra med inslag av vanilj torkad frukt och dill
alkoholstyrkan känns mer än den verkligen är och eftersmaken är lång och fatig
- det är ett bra vin som gärna drickes nu men kan sparas 4-5 år. bör serveras svalt, 16grader. och en lite smakrikare pizza med en god salami är inte helt fel
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8/24/2013 - Gian wrote: 88 Points
On the nose at the beginning leather then red fruits , tobacco , spices , I have served it at a low temperature then usual but as suggested from the producer , about 16 C. Medium bodied , good acidity , nice length , tannins are integrated but it needs a year or two for reach the top.
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8/21/2013 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. No problem with cork this time? Good light raspberry strawberry flavors. Good for current consumption.
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8/20/2013 - miadelt Likes this wine: 91 Points
Finish goes on forever.
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8/20/2013 - SLR204 wrote: 90 Points
Popped n poured. Nose of bright red fruits, spice, earth and new oak. On the palate black pepper, tobacco, oak, red cherry, cranberry, light earth and pencil lead. A nice vein of minerality makes it food friendly. Medium bodied Rioja. Went well with pancetta ravioli and red sauce. Fine now but has plenty of time to develop further. Open next bottle in a year or three.
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8/17/2013 - AllRed wrote: 89 Points
M/M thelostverse's Anniversary Dinner (Topolobampo, Chicago): Earthy red fruit and plum aromas follow through on the palate. Adds floral and roasted game qualities too. Nice finish.
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8/15/2013 - Hazeo wrote: 91 Points
Classic Rioja with some years ahead of it, a little bricking and some secondary flavours already. Not a blockbuster but a lovely wine made in an authentic style, with tobacco, red fruit, earth. It may be slightly rough around the edges but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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8/5/2013 - VinoServant Likes this wine: 90 Points
I decanted this wine for 2 hours, and it still needs more time. It has some rough edges -- tannin and acid, but in a few years all the pieces should be integrated, and the wine will be smooth and delicious. Right now I taste some herbs, spice, vanilla and a touch of oak. I agree the 2001s taste better now, but they also have 3 years on the 2004s. In 3 years this wine will be a rock star. I have 2 bottles left, and they are going away for at least 3 years.
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8/5/2013 - JR_Boston wrote: 91 Points
Drank with steak
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8/1/2013 - BillBell73 wrote: 87 Points
Dark with a little bricking on the edge. Aromas somewhat muted and this vintage suffers in comparison to the fantastic 2001s I've been sampling. Plum and dried cherry on the palate, no secondary flavors yet, just a hint of tannin, really smooth with some acidity but I don't get the feeling that this has the bones for the very long haul. Is this the new face of Ardanza?
Personally I would stock up on the 2001 vintage of Rioja, which are still widely available and will outlive me in all likelihood.
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7/31/2013 - cmcclane wrote: 92 Points
Brick colored, sour cherry, tobacco, light mouthful, medium finish and overall delicious! I will buy at least one more to enjoy.
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7/28/2013 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cork disintegrated and with difficulty removed the remains. The wine nevertheless was unimpaired, and continues to be in its prime!
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7/28/2013 - Gcashman wrote: 90 Points
fairly light mouthfeel. red fruit. tart. long, long, long finish.
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7/20/2013 - Rezy13 wrote:
Customer Appreciation Tasting (Bin 75): Lighter crimson, some bricking; ripe red fruits, almost overripe, followed by some dill, and vanilla; interesting but I would rather buy the 904 or the entry level.
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7/20/2013 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
3rd 375ml. I've really enjoyed this bottling. Still quite youthful with a prominent smokey oak streak, but has plenty of dried red fruit, spice, tobacco leaf, meat and smoke. Oak was a little more prominent on this bottle. Moderately long finish finish with fine tannins showing. Still a solid value, larger formats will likely need a few years before opening.
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7/13/2013 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
Light and delicious!
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7/9/2013 - Merengue wrote: 90 Points
Tasting Notes from trip to Rioja; 7/5/2013-7/12/2013: A hint of barnyard, oak and cedar notes. Smooth, silky and rounded
mouthfeel. Carries more weight than the Arana 2005 and better acidity. Much longer finish and the smokiness persist nicely. Very nice, elegant.
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6/30/2013 - Keith Levenberg Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was interesting to taste, because as excellent as it was, it definitely showed what the producer was thinking when they decided to tag the '01 as a Reserva Especial while designating this one a "mere" Reserva. (I do know that people have reported very mixed experiences with the '01, but mine have been great.) The '04 is made in a similarly bold style (without breaking into the "modern Rioja" idiom) but just isn't quite as rich or complete or as round. It's robust and shows some rugged tannin, with the fruit consequently not being as full and saturating as in the '01. It also showed a touch of volatile acidity which might not end up being a real problem but was a slightly annoying nit. Nevertheless, for some classic tempranillo flavors on a big, muscular frame, this is really good (and a nice value).
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6/21/2013 - Tannatastic wrote: 86 Points
Maybe its too young, or maybe its just the post 2001 approach that LRA is taking, but this is a bigger profile wine than traditional Ardanza. Deeper colour, denser texture, more pronounced alcohol.
Interestingly, we tried it over a couple of nights, and with different glasses on both nights. On first pour, into a Riedl glass, it had a nose of cherry and kirsch, more pronounced on the fruit, not at all what I would pin as traditional Rioja. We then switched to INAO tasting glasses, because I just had the feeling that "something wasn't right". At that moment the fruit practically disappeared, and it was like being walloped in the face with vanilla. Masses of it.
I have to say I found the palate somewhat flat. Not at all like the '04 I had last year at a restaurant, which continued the fruit-forward profile onto the palate. Bottle variation? I don't know, I've got a few so I'd hazard a guess at waiting a couple of years for the next one.
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6/20/2013 - wineshlub wrote: 90 Points
Opened one hour in advance. Aromas of berry and spice. Restrained flavors of tobacco, earth and red fruits. Lovely, lingering finish. Delicious, somewhat reserved, but with lovely flavors, excellent balance and some complexity. Wish I'd been able to give it more air time, we'll see what day 2 brings.
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6/14/2013 - Luckyb wrote: 88 Points
Pretty straight forward wine. Not special, not average. Ok for mid week but I found a little rustic for my taste. May improve with time. Good fruit just a little simple.
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6/12/2013 - RayOB wrote: 88 Points
Drank in London
Nice but not amazing. Lot's of vanilla, spice and tobacco with a smooth mouth feel. Slightly hollow in the mid palate.
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6/6/2013 - davestenton wrote:
Roberson Spanish Walkabout Tasting (Roberson, High Street Kensington, London): Spicy, sweaty and briary aromas. Then sweet cherry fruit. Very chewy just now but has enough acidity to see it right. 16+/20. 2015+
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6/1/2013 - Brett and Megan Likes this wine: 87 Points
Tastes better than it smells on pop and pour. Very spicy and prickly on the tongue and would be better with some aging.
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5/10/2013 - rayq Likes this wine: 92 Points
80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha
There has been a slight change in style in this wine following on from the 2001 vintage.
While the Tempranillo is aged for 3 years in 4 yr old casks the Garnacha now spends less time in oak (30months in younger used oak) to maintain freshness in that variety.
They say it’s the Garnacha that makes the Ardanza special.
I have now tried this vintage 4 times and barring one corked bottle it has been very impressive.
Really lovely nose, spice, forest floor, old wood, old wardrobe.
The fruit seems to be more on the red spectrum than the other wines. Impressive.
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5/10/2013 - SimonG wrote: 92 Points
La Rioja Alta (La Rioja Alta, Haro, Rioja): Up to 25% Garnacha this year (it’s not always good enough quality to make the grade for Ardanza). Quite tight, focused, raspberry spice nose. Change of style with the 2001 – fresher, less oak for the garnacha. Similar on palate, great red fruit and acidity. Again, a vibrancy. Long and persistent. **(**)
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5/10/2013 - Too much practice. Likes this wine: 92 Points
A little grippy at this stage. Will certainly keep and benefit from another 3 years at least. 2016-20. Very good.
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5/5/2013 - Luckyb wrote: 85 Points
Tannin, not much fruit, no length, not your average rioja - not even average.... Have one more from the "Buy two" deal at the merchant. Always a reason for offers!!
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5/1/2013 - AV2012 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fruity, lovely, deep and interesting wine. Approachable but not simplistic. (B+)
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4/30/2013 - henrygjeffreys Likes this wine:
very pale red
n - strawbs
very dry, lots of acidity, citric, oranges, leather
long, t. nuttiness
a bit austere but so much potential. Like a really good young Burgundy
Opens up beautifully after an hour or two open
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4/25/2013 - lepetitchateau wrote: 87 Points
Plausible certainly, but overly sweet and one-dimensional wine that lacks much serious interest.
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4/24/2013 - tendring Likes this wine: 91 Points
Classic Rioja nose.
Fruity, well balanced, classic style, very long.
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4/21/2013 - rayq Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose is traditional Rioja, spice, tea, leather. On the palate it's still quite fruity and even a touch 'glossy'. Drinking well now but I think a few more years will make it better and it will last another 20 easily.
A taste of another bottle at a merchants was much more traditional, lots of sweet fruit and old oak and the bottle previous to this was corked.
I found a lot of variability with the 01, I wonder if this vintage will be the same. Though that would be a rash judgement on the basis of 3 bottles!
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4/18/2013 - Biggsy wrote: 89 Points
Quite a tight nose, maybe a hint if cherry and cherry tomato juice. Quite elegant with good acidity and a bit of grip. The fruit inspire and sweet with spicy cherry fruit and a creaminess that develops with time in the glass.
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4/15/2013 - dougsmith Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep ruby color. Flavors of sweet black fruit, complex spice and vanilla, with fine tannins on the finish. This is still very young.
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4/13/2013 - Pknut wrote:
Woah, this is showing some serious oak right now. Creamy, dill, cedary oak with mocha tones. There is some cherry fruit here, but it is not prominent. Also lacks the layers and the complexities of good Rioja. I think this needs about ten years in the cellar. A 1998 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 a few months ago showed much more nuance, complexity and breed than this wine. Some air did allow the oak to recede, but the cherry fruit that surfaced as the oak receded was not especially compelling. This is young and this is oaky. It may develop into something exceptional, but my bottles are not seeing the light of day for about a decade. Try again in ten years.
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3/16/2013 - JR_Boston wrote:
Great leather, cedar and pencil shavings. Strong on the nose, but not overpowering
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3/16/2013 - drwine2001 wrote:
Rioja-Pink, White and Red (San Francisco Wine Trading Company): Medium ruby core. Spicy oak aromatics. Light weight, smoky red fruit and ground coffee. Slightly astringent finish now, but this is good and should round out with a few more years in bottle.
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3/2/2013 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
(375ml) Smokey leather nose with some dark briary fruit. Palate has a core of pleasant red fruits with a slight tartness and saddle leather. Moderate finish with a bit of earth and mocha working it's way in. Has a nice energetic cut, but still enough lushness of the fruit to coat the palate nicely. Drinking well now, I have no idea how this will age (if it will) but it's drinking nicely now.
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2/9/2013 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
From 375ml. Knockout nose of a little petrol, oak barrel, tobacco, and sour cherry. Palate is rather finely delineated, with sour red fruits mixed with some mature tobacco leaf and cedar elements. Moderate length finish, if a little thin. Lithe, medium concentration, but fantastic food wine and an incredibly intoxicating nose. Drinking well enough now but should age on it's acidity over the next 5yrs or so.
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1/28/2013 - DDicaprio wrote: 90 Points
A bit light bodied for me, even more than I expected, not much flavor to it. Had better Rojas's for less. Maybe just opened too soon. Parkers 93 rating baffles me a bit on this one.
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10/13/2012 - brujazz wrote: 95 Points
- Brick color with slow forming legs. It's in total harmony with a medium/full body. Satin-Like texture with a long finish - This was just a superb bottle of very great juice! Great elegance with a very long finish. Believe it or not, it would have been even better if it stayed in the glass another 25 to 30 minutes, but no way that was going to happen. Have to go buy more!
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9/30/2012 - Hazeo wrote: 90 Points
Classically styled rioja, young and somewhat tannic. Fruit is quite vibrant and expressive with dried cherries, spice, black tea. Better than the 01 Reserva Especial earlier this month.
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8/23/2012 - Harley1199 Likes this wine:
My favourites in the Estación quarter (Barrio de la Estación- Haro - Rioja): Brilliant cherry colour turning to brownish. Quite evolved already.
This is young but has a rich nose full of Rioja aromas.
On the palate maintains the same characters of this vintage, so needing time to show its real beauty.
To repeat but never before 2018.
Color picota brillante girando hacia amarronados. Bien evolucionado ya.
Es joven pero tiene una rica nariz lleno de las aromas a Rioja.
En boca mantiene lis mismos caracteres de la añada, así que necesita tiempo para enseñar su autentica belleza.
Para repetir pero nunca antes de 2018.
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7/1/2012 - mmcdds wrote: 89 Points
Sunday with Warso: Med to full bodied with dark and stewed fruit, Cocoa, licorice, leather and some green, brushy notes with a nice acidic spine. A very nice bottle of wine.
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5/4/2012 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
Russk Vibrant Rioja at the Hotel Intercontinental. Tighter than the Alberti. 90+
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4/6/2012 - Jones17 wrote: 92 Points
Great value wine that embodies much of what makes Rioja great. Light in color, but big in flavor. Blends cherry flavor with just the right amount of leather and oak.
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5/7/2010 - astruminger wrote: 81 Points
From Madrid airport
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