2005 D.O.Ca Rioja Reserva Viña Ardanza, La Rioja, Spain

Firm, deep and complex, slightly developed nose of black and some red berries, with typical notes of soils, some tobacco, bacon, coriander and earthy mineral notes. Concentrated, juicy, partly dried fruit with moderate roasted oak notes, spicy, nutty and herbaceous notes, salty earthy mineral and soup herbs, elegant acid bite on the palate, lots of tension and touch, delicate sandy, predominantly mature but still spine-giving tannins, persistent and deep, chocolate nuances in the background, beguiling juice, extremely fine in all its power, very traditional, complex, beguiling and long. Masterfully.

Best to drink: Bis 2028+. What our ratings mean