La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza, Rioja, Northern Spain, 2009

La Rioja Alta consistently produces some of the most beautiful Riojas, and this Reserva is an absolute stunner that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. It has spent 36 months in mostly old American oak, which lends not only texture but also delicious flavours of crispy bacon, liquorice, black pepper and cedar to the pure, ripe red and black hedgerow fruits. The freshness of the wine is derived from the altitude of the vineyards, and it makes this a delicious, moreish red that will be a real treat with lamb.