Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

The 2004 Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Granacha, that spent 36 months in 4 year old american oak before bottle ageing 5+ years. Medium garnet with a brick hue, this Rioja is in its prime. Beautiful dried fruit, leather, tobacco, fruit cake, sandalwood, and balsamic savoury notes on the nose. More balsamic, leather, raisins, currants on the palate leading to a long savoury finish. Very well integrated wine. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to for upwards of 3-5 years. Pair with lamb, pork tenderloin, with fresh herbs.
Tasted November 21, 2013 at a pre release tasting.
93 pts. - @Quercusvino

Sean O'Regan - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Nov 21, 2013: Blind tasting NCSG Vintages pre-release. Medium garnet with bricking at the edge. Although tasted blind, there is no mistaking what this is from the fantastic nose of prune, fig, dried cherry/berry, chocolate, baking spice, wood smoke, tobacco/leather and soya sauce. Pretty much a full repeat of flavours on the palate with great balance and a long savoury finish. Although this could cellar for a few more years, this seems to be in its peak drinking window now, and so delicious, why wait. Group favorite of the flight, and my wine pick of the night.

The 2004 vintage of this full-bodied red wine is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha grown on 30-year-old vines. The wine is matured for 3 years in 4-year-old American oak barrels. International Wine Challenge 2012 Gold medal winner. Source: Winery

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La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2004 Wine Review

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