La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2009

Cherry, cassis and dried flowers on the nose, layered with vanilla, sweet spice and a faint cigar-box note that adds intrigue. Full and generous in the mouth, blue and red fruits woven through spiced pastry, succulent herbs and a smooth vanilla thread. Tannins are well-integrated and unhurried, building quietly toward a long, spiced finish that circles back to the opening florals. Classic Ardanza: depth and vitality in equal measure.