La Rioja Alta. Arguably consistently the best producers in Rioja. I’ve worked with these wines as a Wine Professional for years and now I’m beyond excited to have a vehicle to introduce them to clients.

Although all of the La Rioja Alta wines are spectacular, year after year my favourite has always been the stunning Viña Ardanza. The 2012 is in one word: Delicious! The grapes entered the winery in magnificent condition and excellent balance of alcohol content and polyphenols. Grapes were picked mid-late October. The grapes were harvested manually and transported to the winery in refrigerated vehicles. In March 2013, the selected wines were put in barrels to start ageing separately: the Tempranillo for 36 months with six manual rackings, in American oak barrels averaging 4 years in age and the Garnacha for 30 months with five manual rackings, in barrels with two and three wines. The final blend was bottled in March 2016. It’s a traditional Rioja, aged in American Oak, and a very classic example of the wine. It ages incredibly well but is also ready to drink right away (which is usually what I do, lol).

Tasting Notes include: “Outstandingly bright, lively and intense garnet red, with an incipient cherry red rim. The first nose is very intense, with spicy, balsamic and ripe fruit notes. After swirling, aromas of black pepper, sweet liquorice, nutmeg, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon make their appearance. Mouth full of flavours, with a pleasant acidity and balance, and very polished tannins that enhance the harmonious structure. Complex and elegant after- taste with spicy and balsamic hints. To enjoy right now, but with a long life ahead.”