La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 in the "Estación" neighborhood of Haro (La Rioja), when five winegrowing families from La Rioja and the Basque Country decid deed to join forces to produce high-quality wines using traditional methods. The founding families included, among others, the Ardanza, Puig de la Bellacasa, del Prado, and Lacorte families. In 1904, the original winery merged with another property owned by one of the founders (Ardanza himself), consolidating what is now La Rioja Alta, S.A. Thanks to this merger and the commitment to maintaining tradition and quality, the winery began to build its reputation. Viña Ardanza 1999: This vintage underwent the usual aging process: 36 months in American oak barrels. After these three years in barrel, it was bottled. Generally, the Reserva wines from this winery also undergo a period of bottle aging before being released to the market, allowing them to evolve properly. Viña Ardanza 2000 (Reserva) Same as in 1999: aging consisted of 36 months in American oak barrels. After barrel aging, the wine was bottled (in March 2004 according to the winery's records). In some batches, the vintage was also bottled in magnum format. Viña Ardanza 2001 (Special Reserve) In this "Special Reserve" vintage, the wine was aged for 36 months in American oak barrels. It is noted that there were manual rackings (6 rackings during this aging period). After the barrel aging, the wine was bottled and released to the market in September 2005. The 36 months spent in American oak indicate a long and traditional aging process—in accordance with the typical requirements for "Reserva" wines from the Rioja DOCa appellation, which demand extended aging in both barrel and bottle. In particular, the "Special Reserve 2001" edition, with its manual racking, suggests extra care in the winemaking process—this usually results in more structured, complex wines with good aging potential. Those who have tasted it highlight that it is a wine "at its best" after 15-25 years, with a balance between evolution and structure. Always in a private cellar with controlled temperature. IMPORTANT!! Shipping is NOT made to the following countries. SWITZERLAND-NORWAY-FINLAND-RUSSIA AND OTHERS-MALTA-CANARY ISLANDS-MADEIRA.