The 2013 Altos de Inurrieta was mostly Graciano with some 10% Syrah, quite an unusual blend in this cool, wet and late harvest. It fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts and matured in new French barriques for 14 months. The change in the blend and the character of the vintage is clearly noticeable when you taste this next to the 2012, here there is brighter fruit, red berries mostly, the oak feels better integrated and there's more overall freshness. There are some dusty tannins and good freshness, supple and tasty. 35,000 bottles produced.

This red blend varies with the vintage and in this dry and warm year the 2012 Altos de Inurrieta is Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Garnacha; the grapes are sourced from their higher altitude vines, 14-year-old plants located at 420 to 480 meters altitude on limestone-rich soils. The machine-harvested grapes fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels for 14-15 months without racking. You can clearly notice the warmth and ripeness of the year in the wine, especially when compared with the 2013. Here the fruit is darker and riper, and the palate revealed abundant, slightly dusty tannins. 15,000 bottles produced.

The 2009 Altos de Inurrieta is a blend of Syrah, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha from a ripe, warm, powerful vintage that is aged for 14 months in oak barrels. The result is compact, and difficult to identify grape or origin. It offers berry fruit and spice and a medium-bodied palate with chunky tannins and moderate acidity. Pleasant but not really exciting. Drink now-2016. Inurrieta is a modern winery created about 10 years ago around 230 hectares of vineyards. There are modern, well-crafted wines. Importer: Vinaio Imports, New York, NY; tel. (718) 842-7201; www.vinaioimports.com

There's a smoky undercurrant of rich espresso here, and focused flavors of sundried cherry, grilled beef, spiced cranberry sauce and dried herbs. It's balanced and fresh, with a lingering finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. 3,000 cases made, 250 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Navarra Select to Add