La Rioja Alta S.A. – 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva

La Rioja Alta S.A. – 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva.

A benchmark Rioja Reserva that exemplifies the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship refined through modern precision. Viña Ardanza is widely regarded as one of the great classical wines of Spain, and the 2017 vintage reinforces its status as a reference point for elegance, longevity, and expressive balance. This is Rioja at its most complete: structured yet graceful, complex yet effortlessly harmonious.

About the Winery

Founded in 1890 in Haro, La Rioja Alta S.A. stands among the most historic and influential producers in Rioja. The estate’s philosophy is rooted in patience, meticulous vineyard work, and long ageing in its own cooperage, where American oak barrels are handcrafted to exacting standards.

Viña Ardanza occupies a special place within the portfolio. Tempranillo is sourced from old vineyards in La Cuesta and Montecillo in Fuenmayor and Cenicero (Rioja Alta), while Garnacha comes from selected parcels in Tudelilla (Rioja Oriental), bringing warmth, generosity and aromatic lift. Each variety is vinified separately and aged independently before blending — Tempranillo for around three years in American oak, Garnacha slightly less — followed by extended bottle ageing prior to release.

If you would like to learn more about La Rioja Alta S.A. check out our article here, and our podcast with their CEO Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner here, as part of our series Grape Masters.

About the Wine

The 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva opens with a deep and layered bouquet. Ripe red cherry, plum and blackcurrant are immediately present, intertwined with classic Rioja notes of vanilla, coconut, clove and sweet tobacco. As the wine unfolds, more tertiary nuances emerge: leather, cedarwood, dried herbs, orange peel and a subtle balsamic freshness.

On the palate, the wine is expansive yet impeccably controlled. The Tempranillo provides structure, precision and freshness, while the Garnacha contributes generosity, warmth and a velvety mid-palate. Tannins are polished and fine-grained, supporting the wine without ever dominating. The acidity is vibrant, lending lift and ensuring remarkable balance throughout. The finish is long, complex and savoury, with lingering spice, dried fruit and a gently smoky, cedar-inflected echo.

Despite its depth and concentration, the 2017 Viña Ardanza never feels heavy. It combines power with poise, offering immediate pleasure while clearly built for extended ageing. This is a wine that will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 15 to 20 years.

Conclusion

The 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva is a masterclass in classic Rioja: layered, expressive and effortlessly elegant. It showcases La Rioja Alta S.A.’s ability to harmonize tradition and precision at the highest level, delivering a wine of both emotional resonance and technical excellence.

We award this wine a 94-point DWA score — a truly outstanding Rioja Reserva and one of the most compelling expressions of Viña Ardanza in recent years.

For more reviews on La Rioja Alta S.A.’s wines check out our collection below:

• 2020 Viña Alberdi Reserva
• 2016 Viña Arana Gran Reserva

This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. La Rioja Alta S.A. is imported in The Netherlands by Anfors Imperial, and available through direct sale and selected hospitality partners.

Price:                          ~€25,00

Taste Date:                 November 2024

Website:                     La Rioja Alta S.A.