Rich, big and burly, this blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is juicy, with full-on black cherry, plum, soil, ink and oak flavors. The nose is somewhat closed, but with aeration reveals black pepper and vanilla nuances. Finishes with black tea, char and dry, chalky tannins. Still a baby, but so promising. Give it 5+ years. Cellar Selection.
— W.E.
(4/1/2003)
A masterful mixture of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of wood smoke, blackberry and plum. An open wine for near-term drinking. Sweet and rich at the core, while pure cacao darkens the tail end.
— M.S.
(10/1/2004)
The epitome of freshness and complexity is on offer in this delicious late-harvest Moscatel from Navarra’s most innovative bodega. Lemon peel, wild flowers and piercing apricot and peach aromas carry the ultra pure nose. There’s nothing funky or odd about this barrel-fermented wine; it will appeal to almost everyone who likes a well-made sweet white.
— M.S.
(6/1/2005)
This is a dark, fully formed and impressive wine, one that’s 70% Tempranillo and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of mineral, spice, orange zest, bacon and black plum are integrated and lead to a lively palate with flavors of raspberry, plum and herbal essence. Long and spunky on the finish. Drink now–2017.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
Made, according to Fernando Chivite, “in the Barsac way of winemaking,” this Muscat is at once seductive and restrained. It’s viscous, but is the farthest thing from syrupy; its honeysuckle, jasmine, beeswax and sugarcane flavors are as close as you’ll get to ambrosia for a long time to come.
— W.E.
(4/1/2003)
A forward wine with earthy aromas, leather and a hint of Navarra’s herbal essence. The palate is full-bodied and complete, with balanced weight and tannic structure. Flavors of dark berry and black plum are deep and mildly roasted, while the finish is meaty and chocolaty. Chivite Colección 125 is often Navarra’s best red wine, and that appears to be the case in 2004.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
On par with Chivite’s other Reservas, but this infant just isn’t talking much quite yet. Nuances of black pepper, plum and oak play on the nose. Rich mouthfeel; juicy red berry and earth flavors peeking from the palate. Wake this one up 2005–2015.
— W.E.
(4/1/2003)
A juicy, plump wine, but still two-plus years away from its peak, the 1999’s palate and nose are brimming with fleshy, juicy plum and blackberry flavors—even a little red fruit. Nose beguiles with fat fruit and a little spice. Drink 2005–2015.
— W.E.
(4/1/2003)