This wine is making its American debut this fall. It’s a blend of Merlot and Cabernet, with ripe plum and blackberry aromas along with balsamic notes. Flavor-packed and round; a wine to keep in mind when “value” is what you’re after.
— M.S.
(10/1/2004)
Bold, forward and a little roasted and rustic, with solid berry/cherry aromas grounding the bouquet. This is a healthy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the berry fruit is stout and warm, with vanilla and cream on the finish. Maintains its freshness; good Navarran wine that’s ripe.
— M.S.
(11/1/2009)
For Navarran Merlot-Cab, Inurrieta Norte is always a winner. This vintage has good darkness along with smooth aromas of black fruit, earth, rubber and spice. It’s a bit acidic and shrill as a tasting wine but will do fine at the table. The mouth is spunky and shows slightly herbal raspberry and plum flavors. Finishes light and easy.
— M.S.
(12/15/2010)
Delicate and lithe Sauvignon Blanc from Navarra? Interesting. Tastes sort of Galician due to its clean, tropical pineapple, citrus and green apple flavors. Like a fruit salad with more acidity; doesn’t taste particularly Sauvignon-ish, but likable nonetheless.
— M.S.
(5/1/2011)
Starts out sort of jumbled, with heavy aromas, deep fruit scents and a shot of leather or animal hide. The palate is healthy, however, with proper acidity pushing earthy plum and berry flavors. Shows good structure and ample size and mouthfeel. The blend is 75% Garnacha and 25% Graciano.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
Rubber, smoke and a bit of char combine to give this Garnacha-Graciano blend a hard exterior. The palate is reasonably round, with roasted berry flavors. Finishes a little stewy and slightly tomatoey and herbal, but overall it’s a good wine with true Navarran character.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
Frankly this smells outright burnt and rubbery. The palate is fleshy and tastes like herbal berry, ripe tomato and herbs. Carob and more herbal notes work the finish of this clumsy blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
— M.S.
(10/1/2011)