Albret Crianza 2009

SWIC score: 89 (JMG)

Tasting notes: Vanilla, cassis, dead leaves, intense, direct, warm.

Available: ON (VINTAGES 306555 - $ 19.95)

Winery: Finca Albret

Region: D.O. Navarra

Varieties: 50% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

Ageing: 12 months in American and French oak barrels

Alcohol level: 14.0% alc./vol.

Juan de Albret was the last king of the ancient kingdom of Navarra during the finish of the 15^th century and the beginning of the 16^th. The Navarra-based wine group Príncipe de Viana created Finca Albret winery as a project to produce a very personal range of wines. Albret Crianza is a powerful and intense red wine. A blend with Tempranillo as the main grape, complemented by the international Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It matures for one year in oak barrels (65% American) and it matches perfectly with grilled and stewed meats.

Vintage tasted: 2009 (January 2013)