La Rioja Alta “Viña Ardanza” 2000

“”Fading medium-red color. Cherry-vanilla, tobacco and dried raspberry on the nose, with subtle baking spices, cedar and herbs adding complexity. Suave red fruit flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak spices and gently propped up by silky tannins. An understated wine that’s sure to be dismissed by those who find ostentation in wine a virtue, but this will work wonderfully with grilled or braised meats, or not-so-strong cheeses. And the length of this Rioja is pretty sneaky.” – Josh Raynolds, Antonio Galloni’s Vinous