2010 is widely regarded as one of the very finest vintages in recent memory in
Rioja. Julio Saenz, head winemaker at La Rioja Alta, labeled it a "spectacular"
vintage. The Vina Ardanza is a truly remarkable wine, and has been declared as a
'Seleccion Especial' which is the highest praise from the winemakers, a title
only awarded to the wines and vintages that rank among the best ever.

“Dried cherries, cedar, sandalwood, tar, treacle tart, cinnamon and vanilla.
Medium body, fine-grained and very silky tannins for a wine of almost 10 years
of age, bright and transparent acidity and a long, very spicy finish. Like going
back in time and touching an ornate tapestry. The texture is mesmerizing.”
96/100, James Suckling

“2010 was a great vintage in Rioja in general and seems to be exceptional here,
with a 2010 Viña Ardanza Selección Especial (what used to be Reserva Especial)
that can challenge any of the recent vintages and hopefully can develop in
bottle to reach the heights of years like 1973 or 1964. The wine is expressive,
aromatic, very elegant and clean, with classical Rioja aromas of long aging in
barrel and slow oxidation through the years in wood. The palate is polished and
sleek but shows plenty of energy, with very fine, mostly resolved tannins and
very good harmony and persistence. There is great complexity, and you could
start smelling spice and smoke to move to earthy tones, hints of beef blood,
cherries in liqueur, curry, diesel, old furniture and forest floor. A great Viña
Ardanza!” 95/100, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate