Tasting notes:

With an estate that has existed for more than 1,000 years, owned successively bymonks, lords and wine families, Arínzano has a long link to wine. Located in theshadow of the Sierra de Urbasa mountains at the centre of a deep Navarra valleycrossed by the Ega river and with the cierzo wind from the Atlantic Ocean,Arínzano produces wines evocative of their unique mesoclimate. This Merlot isan exquisite example. Quite deep ruby in hue, the wine displays plums and ripered berry fruit with cardamom and allspice accents. The vibrant attack leads ontoan integrated, mid-weight palate with brisk acidity, warming alcohol andabundant, velvet-textured tannins framing the flavours. A lovely, savoury winedestined for sautéed lamb’s liver with sage and red wine. Creamy puréedpotatoes work really well as an accompaniment.(Patricia Stefanowicz MW)