The 2010 Arzuaga Crianza is aged in new French and American oak for 16 months. It has a very polished bouquet with crushed violets, creme de cassis and a touch of blueberry, the oak nicely integrated into the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy entry. It offers copious citrus fresh blueberry and cassis fruit and a vitamin like freshness toward the finish. It is a little glossy perhaps, but it remains nicely crafted. Drink 2013-2018.
Bodegas Arzuarga Navarro was founded by Florentino Arzuarga in 1993. They offer a reliable portfolio of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reservas that are perhaps a little too polished and occasionally fall into the trap of relying on excessive French oak. However, I found them to be cleanly made. Only the Crianza is imported into the United States, although I found the time to taste all their current releases.
Importer: This was being imported by Fine Wine Imports, but I was informed that this has recently ceased.