In the heart of Spain’s Rioja region, in Rioja Alta's cherished Haro District, legendary producer La Rioja Alta grows the Tempranillo grapes that will inevitably make up the majority (80%) of their 2005 Viña Ardanza Reserva; it is in this region that the Tempranillo varietal is able to reach its full potential. The calcareous clay and iron-rich soil, with wild dill growing between the vines, lends a minerality, herbal complexity and the ideal growing conditions to nurture Tempranillo to its absolute finest. The remaining 20% of the Viña Ardanza Reserva is comprised of Garnacha, which is grown in the Rioja sub-region of La Rioja Baja. 

One of the most quintessential producers of the region, La Rioja Alta goes above and beyond the Spanish government’s strict production requirements for Rioja, whether it be designated and labeled as Joven, Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. By law, the Reserva label requires a minimum of three years of total aging, with at least one of the three years in oak barrel. The unique expression of Rioja we are offering today, the 2005 Viña Ardanza Reserva, pushes the envelope even further and ages their Reserva for three years in oak then three additional years in bottle before release, which makes this wine just about the longest-aged Rioja available for under $35. The reality that you can purchase a ten-year-old Rioja at such an affordable price and quality still blows my mind. Further this particular 2005 vintage, which is just about as good as a vintage can get, is drinking perfectly at the moment.