The 2009 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is a red wine from the renowned Rioja region of Spain. This wine is a proprietary blend, comprised predominantly of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, sourced from estate vineyards. It is produced by La Rioja Alta and features a cork closure with an alcohol content of 13.5%.

James Suckling provides a glowing review, scoring the wine a remarkable 96 points. He describes it as "very fresh and vivid" with notes of berries, dark spice, and hints of walnuts. Suckling notes the wine's full-bodied nature and its reserved, muscular character, all while maintaining a smooth tannin structure. He suggests that this wine is "a great wine" and recommends giving it a couple more years to reach its full potential, advising to "try in 2020."

Decanter offers a slightly more reserved but still positive review, awarding the wine 91 points. It highlights the wine's youthfulness and its complex aromatic profile, noting scents of vanilla and cedar-tinged macerated cherries. The palate is described as smoothly textured with "zesty raspberry acidity" and a backbone of soft red fruits, spicy cedar, and fragrant spices. Decanter points out that the wine's aging process, with Tempranillo spending 36 months and Garnacha 30 months in old American oak, technically qualifies it for Gran Reserva status, which speaks to its depth and quality. The recommended drinking window is from 2018 to 2028.

Overall, the 2009 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is a well-crafted wine that showcases the traditional characteristics of Rioja with a blend of modern freshness and complexity. Both reviewers highlight its potential for further development, making it a noteworthy option for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.