Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2020

Viña Ardanza Reserva is not only one of the finest wines of Rioja and Spain, it is also an internationally iconic wine. Vintage after vintage it has won over critics and the public alike. Its now-classic blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is pure balance and silkiness. In the words of its creator, winemaker Julio Sáenz: "An exceptional vintage, one of the best in our history, to close an extraordinary decade of Viña Ardanza".

The Wine Advocate
RP 94

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The subtle, balsamic, structured and elegant 2020 Viña Ardanza Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo from Rioja Alta and around 20% Garnacha from Rioja Baja. It fermented destemmed in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels, 20% of them new, for 36 months in the case of the Tempranillo and 30 months for the Garnacha; the two wines were then blended before bottling. It is a classic example of the house style, with the perfume and elegance of Garnacha and the structure of Tempranillo. The aromas are clean and still quite fresh, just beginning their tertiary phase. It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.57 and 5.7 grams of acidity. It is balanced, harmonious and well built, with mostly polished tannins. It should develop nicely in bottle for many years. 500,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2024.

This Haro winery owns 588 hectares of vineyards and makes wine only from its own grapes. It ages its wines in 35,000 barrels, all 225-litre American oak with an average age of four years. It produces an average of 1.5 million bottles a year, so it holds the equivalent of eight years of stock between wine in barrel and in bottle. This year sees the release of its second Viña Alberdi Selección Especial, the 2021 (the first was in 2001). The range I tasted was very impressive and clean, in a more traditional style.

Published: 12 March 2026

Tasting Note — La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2020 (James Suckling, 95 points)

Overview
James Suckling's review of this vintage is notably enthusiastic, scoring the wine 95 points and highlighting its precision and energy.

Aromas
The wine shows an expressive mix of fresh red and black fruit, wrapped in sweet spice, cedar and a subtle minerality that adds complexity.

Structure and Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, with extremely fine, well-integrated tannins giving an elegant, silky texture.

Balance and Finish
Vibrant acidity brings freshness and balance to the richness of the fruit, culminating in a long, tense and clean finish.

Verdict
Suckling considers this vintage one of the most elegant of recent years. Though already very enjoyable now, it has the structure and potential to develop beautifully over the next decade.