La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 1985

La Rioja Alta, S.A. was established in 1890 in Haro, in the celebrated Rioja wine region of northern Spain. It was founded by five local growers who shared a vision of producing wines of structure, elegance and long-term aging potential — at a time when many Rioja wines were simpler and less age-worthy. In 1904, an early milestone came when one founder’s own winery (Ardanza) merged with La Rioja Alta; this union helped shape the winery’s identity and gave rise to iconic labels such as Gran Reserva 904. The name La Rioja Alta refers both to the winery and to the Rioja Alta subzone — the high altitude western part of the Rioja DOCa, long associated with high-quality Rioja wines.

It is unusual for a great bodega of Rioja to own vineyards, but La Rioja Alta own 360ha from which they can source top-quality grapes, resulting in excellent fruit and richness throughout their wines. Tempranillo dominates the plantings, complemented with a small proportion of Garnacha and Graciano vines. The company is renowned for the quality of its Reservas and in particular for its Gran Reservas, the 904 and the 890. The latter are produced only in exceptional years, are amongst the finest wines being produced in Rioja today. Gran Reserva 890 is named, rather confusingly, after the date of the creation of La Rioja Alta (1890). It is the non-plus-ultra of the family, a wine that slumbers patiently for 6 years in oak, then is allowed to rest in bottle for a few more years before its released.

Location: The Garnacha comes from our sites in Tudelilla, while the Tempranillo and the Mazuelo are from the Viña Ardanza state in Montecillo as well as from growers in Cenicero, Ollauri and other districts in the Rioja Alta.

Ageing: Nine months in oak vats after fermentation in stainless steel. 3.5 years in American oak barrels with a total of seven rackings. After bottling in December 1989, a further 1.5 years in bottle before release.

Weather in 1985: Unusual. The vegetative cycle for the Rioja region was 188 days and the production 170 million liters, rather higher than average for recent years. Grapes harvested later and from more elevated sites made excellent wines. Especially complete musts were produced in the Rioja Alta. Officially the harvest was classified "very good" although for La Rioja Alta, S.A. it was the best vintage since the great 1970.

Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 75% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha with 5% Mazuelo & Graciano
Alcohol: 13%
Tartaric acid: 5.5 grs/l
Production: 750,000 bottles of the 1985 Viña Ardanza were produced.

Tasting Note: Cherry red color with golden nuances. Clean and brilliant. Very visible glycerine, showing its perfect fermentation. Fragrant, complex and lingering aromas. Reveals itself on the palate as a red of great body even more than that of previous vintages: full, complete vigorous, and at the same time velvety, unctuous, and warm. Deep, lingering finish, with a note of toast. The final impression is one of great harmony and balance and this is perhaps the most complete Viña Ardanza since 1970.