La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2015

La Rioja Alta has been a pioneering bodega since it was founded in 1890. It excels by applying traditional winemaking techniques in its state-of-the-art, purpose-built cellar. In the excellent 2015 vintage the winemaker added a portion of Garnacha from the La Pedriza vineyard. This beautifully complements the richly layered Tempranillo, sourced from the estate’s 30-year-old vines, set at 600-metres altitude. All grapes – Tempranillo and Garnacha – were harvested by hand prior to careful, temperature-controlled fermentation. This was followed by four years’ ageing in American oak casks made on the estate’s century old cooperage. Only released 6 years after vintage, it’s beginning to drink well – a classic with lamb. Open early and decant.