TN: 2010 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva, Selección Especial

[Joseph_Grassa]

Nice review. I absolutely love this wine, I stocked up big time last year on it. I found the 2012 to be a far cry from the 2010 (and wonder what happened to the 2011, I never saw one released?). Now I know it’ll be a good pairing with my Xmas brisket and ribs…

I wish you said this a few weeks sooner lol. I recently purchased 6 of the 2012, but havent had any yet. Only 3 left of the 2010, so going to grab some more now!

[Joseph_Grassa]

I have avoided the 2012 based on reports and price increase and drinking 2015 Alberdi instead.

I had an (I believe) 2015 Vina Alberdi once about a year ago and remember it being very heavily oaked, to the point where it really wasn’t all that enjoyable. I generally am somewhat sensitive to oak, but am wondering if you get that too?

from my memory the 2015 Alberdi is not at all like the 2010 Ardanza. The oak in the Ardanza is intermingled with a dozen other flavors. I personally have a high tolerance for oak, so I might not be the best person to ask, but its hard to imagine any rioja fan being turned off by the oak in the 2010 Ardanza. The 2015 Alberdi on the other hand was flabby and lacked complexity, leaving the oak more in the spotlight. For me it was easy drinking but nothing more. I think its riding on the coattails of the 904, while Ardanza seems to be hiding in its shadow.

went and read CT right after posting… still in a bit of shock that people have been steered away by the oak. But I will add one note, this should have a 5+ hour decant imo. that changes everything.

[Chris_Crutchfield]

I’m an outlier and found this particular Vintage to be overly oaked and not enjoyable. I am a huge fan of the 2005 though.

Keeping them in cellar with the hope that in 10-20 years the oak will intergrate and chill out.

This was also my impression from when I opened a bottle a while back. Too much unintegrated oak at the moment.

[JonathanG]

Nice review. I absolutely love this wine, I stocked up big time last year on it. I found the 2012 to be a far cry from the 2010 (and wonder what happened to the 2011, I never saw one released?). Now I know it’ll be a good pairing with my Xmas brisket and ribs…

I wish you said this a few weeks sooner lol. I recently purchased 6 of the 2012, but havent had any yet. Only 3 left of the 2010, so going to grab some more now!

I tried one of the 2012, found it wanting. 8/9/10 all way better than 12. Ill try another as maybe it was bottle variation again but I found it a bit watery compared to the 10, curious your thoughts after trying one.