La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2017 1.5L Beaujolais Villages This complex and age-worthy Merlot

This complex and age-worthy Merlot promises to evolve gracefully over time while offering immediate pleasure with a harmonious blend of fruit

crunchy red and black fruits with remarkable energy and tension

fine acidity and clean

the 2009 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a little reticent to begin

with aromas of olallieberry

La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2017 1.5L Beaujolais Villages This complex and age-worthy MerlotA more vibrant and fruitier expression of Ardanza this year with strawberries, mussels, warm spices and berries. Round and silky on the palate with lovely spices and a long, nicely saline finish. A nice touch of creaminess works really well here and further extends the finish. 80% tempranillo and 20% garnacha. Drink or hold. 95 Pts James Suckling