Navarra

Gran Feudo Reserva 2000

A blend of the indginous Tempranillo (80%) and the French Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (the remaining 20%) . I find these blends a bit hit and miss at times, the Cabernet seems to dominate and can add some green/herbal characters that seem out of place in such a wine. Not so with this one, it hits the mark and its priced well to boot.

The Chivite vineyards are located in the Navarra region of northern Spain, in between La Rioja and Catalonia. The grapes come from a number of areas around Navarra, Marcilla and Aberin specifically. The wine sees 18 months in French and American Oak and another 18 months in bottle to meet the requirements of the Reserva label.

Plums and raspberries make up the nose, with a bit of french oak showing through. Medium bodied with dark cherry, blackberry/blackcurrant, oak and a bit a vanilla. I found the tannins a bit rough at first, the finish is rather short. It could sound quite boring, but it’s a solid, rustic wine that would go very well with a beef stew or lamb chops on a cold Tuesday night. 87 Pts.  

Source: Retail RRP: $20 Closure: Cork

Web: www.chivte.com