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In recent times, Rioja has witnessed an emergence of contemporary wines and producers, diligently seeking to distinguish themselves from the more traditional Reserva system that has long characterised the region. While it is undeniable that this new wave has produced remarkable wines, a select group of producers steadfastly uphold the time-honoured traditions, yielding unparalleled results.
In this regard, none can eclipse La Rioja Alta as the foremost proponent of traditional Rioja wines. This institution's commitment to long-standing principles of winemaking has consistently delivered wines of the highest level. La Rioja Alta's prowess is now fortified by recognition from Carlos Gonzales, director of the definitive Spanish wine publication The Penin Guide, who recently awarded the 2010 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 a perfect 100-point score. In his review of this wine, he declares it to be one of the greatest Rioja wines produced in recent memory.
Unsurprisingly, demand for this release is monumental yet allocations remain incredibly low. Make sure to place your order as soon as possible as these wines will not remain in stock for long.
All wines below are available now at our special offer prices for the next 7 days only. To place your order simply click on the links below or return the attached form, by email, by fax on 03 9419 6970 or call us on 03 9419 6990.
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2016 Rioja 'Vina Ardanza' Reserva
Usually $99 Special Offer $89
"The 2016 Viña Ardanza Reserva was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha that matured in used American oak barrels for three years, where it was hand-racked from barrel to barrel six times in the case of Tempranillo and five times for the Garnacha, as it had a slightly shorter élevage of 30 months.
Against all odds, I found the 2016 to be fresher than the 2015 and less developed, despite the fact that winemaker Julio Sáenz told me he considers it a warmer year. But I have found many wines I like in 2016, and the wine feels very clean and quite harmonious, younger and less developed, with more primary notes and a velvety mouthfeel."
94+ Points
Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate
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2015 Rioja Gran Reserva 904
Extremely Limited - $249
"Very impressive complexity and width on the nose, showing lots of savoriness with mushrooms, sandalwood, cedar, sweet spices, dried oranges and tobacco. Really even and juicy on the palate with fine and very present tannins. Juicy, creamy finish lasting a minute. Really elegant and layered. It goes on and on. A real Rioja Gran Reserva and I recommend buying a case! The first vintage that La Rioja Alta labelled ‘Seleccion Especial’. So appealing now, but this will evolve well in the next 20 years."
98 Points
JamesSuckling.com
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2010 Rioja Gran Reserva 890
Extremely Limited - $569
"La Rioja Alta has received the highest score for an iconic wine. In the words of Carlos González, director of the publication [Penin Guide], “his 890 represents the greatness of the great classic Riojan wines. Thanks to the work and stubbornness to keep this type of wine alive, houses like La Rioja Alta have managed to make the Grandes Reserva from Rioja shine again as they deserve”.
“This is an example of the traditional wines that made Spain an important place in the production of quality wine and Rioja as the most internationally recognized denomination of origin”, confirms Carlos González. This 2010 vintage is also a superb vintage, with background freshness that will allow this wine to grow with elegance and complexity."
100 Points
Carlos Gonzalez, Penin Guide
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These wines are available now at our special offer prices for the next 7 days only. To place your order simply click on the links above or return the attached form, by email, by fax on 03 9419 6970 or call us on 03 9419 6990.
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