La Rioja Alta

Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva 2001

Spain
About the Session

Rioja anchors the Spanish session with a depth and breadth that rewards both traditionalists and modern-style enthusiasts. La Rioja Alta is the most extensively represented producer, with Gran Reserva 904 spanning multiple vintages and formats, alongside the classic Reservas - Viña Ardanza, Viña Alberdi, and Viña Arana. Beyond Rioja, Sierra Cantabria delivers some of the most sought-after names in the sale. Their single-vineyard Amancio across 2002 and 2007, the Finca El Bosque, and the Colección Privada 2003 represent the very top of the Rioja hierarchy.


Current Bid

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Lot 166
  • La Rioja Alta; Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva; 2001; 2 (1 x 2); 1500ml


Lot Estimate Change Currency
ZAR 5 000 - 8 000
Current Bid
Starting at ZAR 3 800
Location
Wine Storage
Delivery
Delivery within South Africa included
Shipping
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About this Item

Viña Ardanza Rioja Reserva 2001
2 (1 x 2) 1500ml
Presented here in magnum format, this is the Reserva Especial bottling of Viña Ardanza from La Rioja Alta, blending Tempranillo from the house's own Fuenmayor vineyards with Garnacha from Rioja Baja, aged for 36 months in American oak. The 2001 is one of only three vintages in the wine's history to earn the Reserva Especial designation, the others being 1964 and 1973. The magnum format offers exceptional cellaring potential for a wine already celebrated for its longevity. Richard Hemming MW from JancisRobinson.com gave it 17.5 out of 20, and Joaquín Hidalgo from Vinous gave it a rating of 95.

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

“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)

View all La Rioja Alta lots for sale in this auction