| Tech Sheet |  |
| Bottle Shot | |
| Shelftalkers | |
| UPC Bottle | |
Wine Description
Our Navarra project is all about family and vines – handed down through the generations and a love story between Corella and San Sebastien – the past generation. I love to say that the people I work with are like living vines – many generations have lived in these soils. In present day, Maria Cruz Garcia and her husband Carlos Aliaga run the viticulture and vinification at this independent 80-hectare farm in the Ribera Baja (since 1999). There is a lot of pride here in working “the old way,” meaning low sulphites and indigenous yeasts.
Here we have a desert climate, the lowest rainfall in Spain and a wind called “Le Cierzo,” keeping the vines free of fungus and mildew. The biggest threat is that from the butterfly, for which they employ the highly eco-friendly technique of ‘sexual confusion’ (as in many of our wines). Ribera Baja, at the southern tip of Navarra, is a river plain, essentially the basin of the Ebro. We are between Aragon and La Rioja. Here there is more Tempranillo grown than Garnacha, which is more prevalent in the north.
I (Mary) met these lovely Spaniards in Paris at a wine fair a couple of years ago. After exploring a hundred wines from Spain and feeling lost and uninspired, I magically stumbled upon these hyper terroir-driven and real wines that finally felt like human hands were involved in the rendering of such haunting and elegant juice.
Scores:
“Such a juicy, beautiful and sweetly scented varietal example from Spain’s northern clime, of fruit almost purple in hue, pulchritude and design. Basque runs through its blood, ice in its veins and warmth in its heart. Balanced, refined and true. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted August 2022.” 90 Points – Michael Godel, Wine Align
‘This is pure tempranillo from Navarra in northeastern Spain with an immediately engaging set of aromatics, like ripe strawberry or raspberry jam, juicy black cherry and gentle baking spice, though oak is a not a notable feature. The palate is fantastically succulent and inviting, medium-full bodied, with soft structure, low tannins and moderate acids, while the finish hangs on admirably. I find it to be a clean and modern take all in all, designed for drinkability above all. Lovely wine, to enjoy now or cellar short term. Tasted August 2022.” 90 Points – John Szabo, Wine Align
“Juicy, with notes of licorice root, fennel, cherries and red berry fruit. Features an elegant oak treatment on the full-bodied palate that doesn’t push ripeness. Quite well balanced and elegant with fine tannins with an appealing saltiness. Biodynamically made from a family-owned winery in the heart of the Ribera Baja de Navarra at the foot of Mount Moncayo. A classic representation of this appellation that is made from 100% tempranillo. Good length. Tasted August 2022.” 90 Points – Sara d’Amato, Wine Align
“This is a balanced and charming tempranillo crafted by Maria Cruz Garcia and her husband Carlos Aliaga. The fruit for this biodynamic wine were sourced from the Patricia vineyard (named after the winemaker’s daughter), in the Ribera Baja de Navarra. I really like the juicy, plush flavour profile: a spicy top note gives way to flavours of ripe dark cherries, liquorice, and subtle violets. The palate is medium-bodied and softly warm (with 14.1% ABV per the label), with tart acidity and fine tannins. Length is very good, with a faintly bitter finish. Tasted August 2022 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.” 90 Points – Megha Jandhyala, Wine Align
“Mary Taylor is a negociant sourcing from specific individual producers, in this case Maria Cruz Garcia who farms a single vineyard in limestone soils in the northern province of Navarra. This sports pretty rose-like florality, sweet black cherry/plummy fruit, fine oak spice and cedar with a touch of licorice. It is medium weight, very well balanced and easy drinking with fine, sandy tannin. Well made, modern and delicious if not having the depth or complexity for a higher score. Tasted August 2022.” 90 Points -David Lawrason, Wine Align
