LA RIOJA ALTA “Viña Ardanza” Reserva 2015

(Rioja, Spain) $40

Traditional Rioja Reservas are among the world’s most ethereal red wines, silkier than silk, aged for long periods in used American oak barrels until the Tempranillo and Garnacha (from which this wine is made) is threaded with gentle wisps of vanilla.  By comparison, modern style Riojas are “bigger” and more likely to be stamped with new oak. La Rioja Alta, founded in 1890, is one of Rioja’s most renowned traditional wineries. And this, their Viña Ardanza, is earthy, spicy, and laced with notes of cocoa, mocha, dark cherry, and fine leather.  The 2015, a terrific vintage, is on the market now. Don’t miss it.  (14.5% abv)

94 points KM

Available at Vivino.com