Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva 2001,2005

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.

Critics Ratings

La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Rioja Reserva 2005
“Dark cocoa scents plus Morello cherry and blackberries. Chewy, substantial palate with aromatic oak on the long finish. This is bold but beautiful, with oak and fruit in superb balance. It's not just the complex flavour range and superb persistence that marks this wine, but the effortless, pinpoint balance.” - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18+/20 (Aug 2017)

“This traditional red offers dried cherry, orange peel, tobacco and sanguine flavors in a silky texture, supported by light, firm tannins and balsamic acidity. Focused and fresh, with a juicy finish.” - Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2014)

“(80% tempranillo and 20% garnacha; aged in used American oak barrels for three years): Deep ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of red fruit preserves, vanilla, mocha and fresh flowers, with a hint of pipe tobacco coming up with air. Sappy and broad on entry, then more taut in the middle, with sweet cherry-vanilla and spicecake flavors given lift by juicy acidity. Closes smooth, spicy and long, with lingering smokiness and fine-grained tannins adding grip. A touch more lively than the excellent 2004 version of this wine and of equal quality, which makes it an outstanding value in old-school Rioja.” - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 92/100 (Sep 2014)

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva Especial 2001
“Deep, rich nose with cooked blackberry and spice, and still very youthful freshness to the fruit. Tremendous vanilla cream on the finish. Long, subtle, elegant.” - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Aug 2017)

“La Rioja Alta only bottles the Reserva Especial Viña Ardanza in exceptional vintages, with only three releases since 1950: 1964, 1973 and the latest, 2001. The 2001 Reserve Especial Viña Ardanza is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha sourced from Rioja Alta, aged for 36 months in American oak barrels. Displaying a garnet hue with a brick sheen, the tertiary aromas evoke wormwood and vermouth-like scents, complemented by notes of wax, leather and dates. On the palate, it is dry, silky and nimble, with an ethereal quality that lingers lightly. This delicate and complex old-school Rioja is a must-have for every collector's cellar.” - Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 95/100 (Dec 2023)