Revealing considerable oak when I tasted it, this wine is made in a "Caymus" style, with the oak dominating the fruit. However, as the wine sat in the glass, the aggressive aromas of American oak (60% of this wine is aged in American oak) became more subdued, and the fruit began pushing its way forward in the mouth. This wine is fat, luscious, and dense, with excellent ripeness and intensity, but it pushes oak to the limit ... hence the question mark. This family-owned (eight separate families) winery in Navarra, in the foothills of the Pyrenees has become one of the leading sources of terrific wine values. The production from all estate-grown fruit is about 66,000 cases, of which half is sold in America. As I have reported in previous issues, these wines are must purchases for readers seeking to maximize their purchasing power. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (617) 461-5767

Ripe and smooth, this offers plenty of vanilla and cream flavor, with enough apple and melon to keep it in balance. It's clean and refreshing. Drink now.??–TM??Region: Spain / Navarra Select to Add