The 2012 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is a proprietary blend hailing from the renowned Rioja region in Spain. This red wine, produced by La Rioja Alta, features a blend predominantly composed of Tempranillo with a significant 20% Garnacha component. This vintage comes with an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.

The wine has received high praise from several reputable sources, showcasing its balanced and complex character. James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, awarded it an impressive score of 95, stating, "Traditional and beautiful in character with plum, balsamic, orange-peel and leather aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy texture and a long, intense aftertaste. Drink or hold." This review highlights the wine's aromatic complexity and the potential for both immediate enjoyment and further aging.

Decanter also gave the wine a commendable score of 94, describing it as a "Warming, nutty, complex Rioja with layers of fruit and a softness of dark cherry fruit on the palate. Soft tannins and elegantly poised with a long, savoury finish." This review underscores the wine's multilayered fruit profile and its soft, approachable tannins, making it a well-rounded choice for various palates.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, another respected voice in the industry, echoed these sentiments with another score of 94. The review notes that "Garnacha is an important component in the 2012 Viña Ardanza Reserva, where it represents 20% of the blend (the rest is, of course, Tempranillo)... The wine is a prototype of polished and aged Rioja with a ruby color with some orange and a developed nose with subtle aromas of decayed leaves, sweet spices and some cherries in liqueur even, quite complex and harmonious." This description highlights the wine's color, aromatic depth, and the harmonious blend of flavors.

In summary, the 2012 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva is a well-crafted, complex Rioja that has garnered high scores and positive reviews from top wine critics. Its blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, combined with its balanced flavors and aging potential, make it a notable choice for wine enthusiasts.