Vina Ardanza’s 2005 Reserva is a complex wine that is already showing so many of the wonderful qualities we have come to expect from this classic Rioja. Masses of dark fruit, with measures of dried berries and cherries wrapped up in a silky smooth coat of herbs, spice, smoke and leather. The palate lives up to the hype from the...

Aromas of leather and forest floor. Very elegant palate with some cherry fruit flavours, but leather and tobacco notes coming forward. Delicate and complex, with a long, lingering finish.

The 2016 Syrah is a dense, potent wine. Wild cherry, game, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and coffee are front and center. This is an especially rich style. Then, again we are in Maremma. The 2016 is a bit wild, but in the best sense of the term. It will offer its finest drinking alongside similarly hearty cuisine.95 points, Antonio Galloni,...