Gift Pack of mixed Rioja Alta wines 1998, 2001, 2004

Neal Martin calls these “the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar”, and those familiar with the exceptional value-for-money Viña Ardanza will know of La Rioja Alta’s reputation for its classy, refined wines of serious complexity. We’re pretty chuffed therefore, to have secured a small allocation of their mixed case release which includes 3 mindblowingly-good examples – Rioja at its best! We thought these were ideal for Fine Wine Plan members so this offer is exclusively for you. These can all be enjoyed immediately or can be kept for another 10 years if you so choose. Whether you are looking for the ideal way to sample the heights that Rioja can reach, or a perfect gift for a Spanish wine lover, this beautifully gift-packed selection case is the ideal package.

The case contains a bottle of each wine in a stylish red gift box.

2004 Viña Ardanza Reserva, La Rioja Alta
Last made in 2001, Viña Ardanza sets the benchmark for classic fine wine Rioja and maintaining that level of repute sometimes requires a little sacrifice. The vintages of ’02 and ’03 were simply not up to the required standard so no Ardanza was produced, but thankfully 2004 was an excellent vintage for the region and this is every bit as good as the hugely popular 2001. Ripe, dark fruits with integrated coffee and sweet spice from the gentle, old oak influence; this has depth and power but retains a classically elegant feel – soft, but engaging palate and extremely enjoyable.
93 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate #202
Drink 2014-2020

2001 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta
Hailed by more than a few producers as one of the best vintages in decades, 2001 had the perfect growing season – early rains, long gentle ripening and concentrated berries. La Rioja Alta have blended 10% Graciano with the Tempranillo grapes, quite literally adding ‘Grace’ to this otherwise concentrated wine. Much more exotic on the nose with African spice, tobacco, dried coffee beans and cured meats, there’s a real presence on the palate to the rich, spicy black fruit. This is starting to drink beautifully.
96 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate #189
Drink 2014-2030

1998 Gran Reserva 890, La Rioja Alta
Capable of long-term ageing and only produced in the best years, the scrupulous production method for this aristocratic wine has undergone no less than 12 racking stages – the process by which first rate Rioja is known. This is very limited production and a superb chance to sample one of the region’s greats.
Beautiful colour in the glass with a chestnut-tinted rim and a shimmer from the low yields responsible. Complex dried fruit flavours with leather, spiced meats, balsamic and mocha. Not a wine to pass up!
94 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate #202
Drink 2014-2022