Whilst the label Vina Arana has existed since 1974, it was always bottled as a Reserva - the 2016 is only the fourth vintage in which it has been bottled as a Gran Reserva, having earnt its place alongside the estate’s other two Gran Reservas, the 904 and the 890. In La Rioja, a Reserva must be aged for 3 years, with at least one of those in barrel, whilst a Gran Reserva must spend at least 3 out of 5 years in a barrel before release.
2016 is a wonderful vintage all across Europe, and with such perfect conditions in La Rioja, Bodegas La Rioja Alta plan to bottle all of their top cuvees from 2016 – Vina Ardanza Reserva was released earlier this year, and they will release both the iconic Gran Reserva 904 and the legendary Gran Reserva 890 from 2016.
The makeup of the wine has changed from the original Vina Arana, changing the 5% of Mazuelo for Graciano. The Graciano gives the wine an aromatic intensity and acidity, which carries the structure and elegance of the Tempranillo. This great vintage of Viña Arana Gran Reserva comes from 40 year-old vineyards in Las Cuevas, El Palo and Las Monjas in Rodezno and Montecillo estate in Fuenmayor. The grapes are vinified separately in American oak for 3 years, and racked as few times as possible. The wine has real aging potential.
Only Tim Atkin has scored the 2016 so far, but Luis Gutierrez scored the Vina Ardanza 2016 at 94+ points, versus 94 for the 2015 Ardanza, saying he felt the 2016 was fresher and less developed. The 2015 and 2014 Vina Aranas won Gold and Platinum medals at Decanter’s World Wine Awards and the highly respected Guia Penin gave them 95 and 96 points. Spanish experts Tim Atkin, Simon Field MW and Sarah Jane Evans have all reported on the wine’s impressively long finish and gorgeous freshness, whilst Will Lyons (Sunday Times) Matthew Jukes, and Johnny Ray (The Spectator) have all been wowed by the wine’s superb value.
I tasted this wine a few months ago and it was absolutely delicious, with everything you would expect from this superb Rioja domaine! The nose is rich and inviting with notes of wild strawberries and violets, as well as blackberry, toffee, cocoa powder and hints of vanilla. On the palate it is intense and incredibly well focused with layers of red and black fruits and the cocoa and vanilla notes from the nose. It combines an almost explosive richness with a silky, soft finish, the tannins melting into the mouth, leaving you wanting another sip. Softening over 48 hours, this was a real treat. Amazingly, i think it is a step up on the 2015 - it is richer, and more concentrated, but has the same superb length. Highly recommended, and whilst it is delicious now, it will only get better over the next 20+ years!
At well under £200 in bond per 6, this remains another of the great bargains of the Fine Wine World. |
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