96 points James Suckling: "Dried cherries, cedar, sandalwood, tar, treacle tart, cinnamon and vanilla. Medium body, fine-grained and very silky tannins for a wine of almost 10 years of age, bright and transparent acidity and a long, very spicy finish. Like going back in time and touching an ornate tapestry. The texture is mesmerizing. Drink now. (7/26/19)"
96 points Simon Field, MW (The World of Fine Wine): "After the musculature of the 2005 and the very assertive 2009, an Ardanza that shows off the reputation of this great vintage. We are in the realms of classicism here; harmony, balance, and the Socratic mean; therefore, relative youth does not dare to impose its vigor to the detriment of a balanced core. Especially striking are the floral aromatics, violets in particular, and the soft, sweet, yet deceptively powerful tannins. This hits the sweet spot and most definitely merits its special elevation to the Ardanza peerage. (Issue 66; 2019)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "2010 was a great vintage in Rioja in general and seems to be exceptional here, with a 2010 Viña Ardanza Selección Especial (what used to be Reserva Especial) that can challenge any of the recent vintages and hopefully can develop in bottle to reach the heights of years like 1973 or 1964. The wine is expressive, aromatic, very elegant and clean, with classical Rioja aromas of long aging in barrel and slow oxidation through the years in wood. The palate is polished and sleek but shows plenty of energy, with very fine, mostly resolved tannins and very good harmony and persistence. There is great complexity, and you could start smelling spice and smoke to move to earthy tones, hints of beef blood, cherries in liqueur, curry, diesel, old furniture and forest floor. A great Viña Ardanza! It was bottled in May 2015. Drink: 2019-2035. (Jun 2019)"
95 points Tim Atkin, MW: "2010 was a 'spectacular year' according to Julio Sáenz, and who am I to disagree? This classic Rioja combines Tempranillo from La Rioja Alta with 20% Garnacha from the Rioja Oriental and it's a beautiful red: aromatic, savoury and balsamic with deftly handled American oak and the freshness of a cool vintage. 2019-28." 94 points Wine Spectator: "Polished and graceful, balanced and lively, this red offers cherry, dried strawberry, cedar, spice and vanilla flavors that mingle over light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity. The silky texture and juicy flavors find a graceful middle ground between the traditional and modern styles. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2025. Smart Buys. (6/30/19)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar) (Sep/Oct 2019)
96 points Simon Field, MW (The World of Fine Wine): "After the musculature of the 2005 and the very assertive 2009, an Ardanza that shows off the reputation of this great vintage. We are in the realms of classicism here; harmony, balance, and the Socratic mean; therefore, relative youth does not dare to impose its vigor to the detriment of a balanced core. Especially striking are the floral aromatics, violets in particular, and the soft, sweet, yet deceptively powerful tannins. This hits the sweet spot and most definitely merits its special elevation to the Ardanza peerage. (Issue 66; 2019)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "2010 was a great vintage in Rioja in general and seems to be exceptional here, with a 2010 Viña Ardanza Selección Especial (what used to be Reserva Especial) that can challenge any of the recent vintages and hopefully can develop in bottle to reach the heights of years like 1973 or 1964. The wine is expressive, aromatic, very elegant and clean, with classical Rioja aromas of long aging in barrel and slow oxidation through the years in wood. The palate is polished and sleek but shows plenty of energy, with very fine, mostly resolved tannins and very good harmony and persistence. There is great complexity, and you could start smelling spice and smoke to move to earthy tones, hints of beef blood, cherries in liqueur, curry, diesel, old furniture and forest floor. A great Viña Ardanza! It was bottled in May 2015. Drink: 2019-2035. (Jun 2019)"
95 points Tim Atkin, MW: "2010 was a 'spectacular year' according to Julio Sáenz, and who am I to disagree? This classic Rioja combines Tempranillo from La Rioja Alta with 20% Garnacha from the Rioja Oriental and it's a beautiful red: aromatic, savoury and balsamic with deftly handled American oak and the freshness of a cool vintage. 2019-28." 94 points Wine Spectator: "Polished and graceful, balanced and lively, this red offers cherry, dried strawberry, cedar, spice and vanilla flavors that mingle over light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity. The silky texture and juicy flavors find a graceful middle ground between the traditional and modern styles. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2025. Smart Buys. (6/30/19)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar) (Sep/Oct 2019)
| Product SKU | 702894 |
| Producer | La Rioja Alta |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Tempranillo/Tinto Fino |
| Designation | Reserva |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Size | 375ml |
| Color | Red |
| Ships To |
