2016 Tinto Reserva, Bodegas Navajas, Rioja, Spain
Previously named in The Wine Merchant Top 100 Wines in 2015 the Navajas Reserva is excellent. Aromas of ripe fruit and spices with herbal notes. Fleshy and broad on the palate the wines class is seen in the long elegant finish.
Bodegas Navajas is a family-owned winery in the village of Navarrete, Rioja Alta. Founded in 1918, each generation has been producing quality wines. The modern facilities include three ageing cellars for 10,000 barrels and a bottle ageing cellar for 200,000 bottles, both of which are equipped with the latest technology. What sets Navajas apart from many other Rioja producers is its attention to detail during every stage of the process, from monitoring the 150 ha of their growers’ vineyards in Rioja Alta, to hand-harvesting grapes and vinifying it in a new, state-of-the-art winery.
"The longer time in oak add complexity the nose is smoky with black and red fruits the start of the palate has a rich mix of ripe cassis and red cherry. The tannins on the mid palate are fine fleshy and supple the back palate lighter with more bramble and wild strawberry. The finish has the sweetness of ripe fruit with a tantalizing hint of cedar wood." Derek Smedley MW