TEXSOM 2018

Entries were blind-tasted and judged by 63 internationally renowned tastemakers from six countries, including 20 Master Sommeliers, 18 Masters of Wine, and other category experts. Of these entries, the judges awarded 2,223 medals: 285 Gold medals (9% of total entries), 760 Silver medals (24%), and 1,178 Bronze medals (37%).  Suggested retail pricing of medal-winning entries ranged from US $2.99 to over US $700.00.  Vintages spanned eight decades, with the oldest being 1957.

 

 

WINE POINTS

 

Ochoa, Reserva Single Vineyard,2007

93 Wine & Spirits

Still youthful, this 2007 has plenty of freshness in its red fruit flavors. It’s juicy with vibrant acidity, showing some development in the complex spicy notes on the finish. A blend of 55percent tempranillo with cabernet sauvignon and merlot, this comes from the clay and limestone soils of Olite.

 


Otazu, Altar Red, 2008

92 Wine Spectator

Tobacco, cedar and sanguine notes frame a core of plum, dried cherry and mint flavors in this big red, which is round and deep, with firm tannins and balsamic acidity, a muscular wine that’s maturing well. Drink now through 2020. 750 cases made.

 


Inurrieta 2012 Altos de Inurrieta Reserva B1

92 Wine Enthusiast

Ripe berry aromas are backed by notes of licorice, raisin, fig and chocolate. This blend of Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Garnacha from a hot vintage is saturated in feel. Flavors of chocolate, burnt toast, blackberry and cassis are maintained across a deep finish; drink through 2021. Vinaio Imports. —M.S.

 


Finca Albret, Navarra La Viña de Mi Madre Reserva, 2012

91 Wine Spectator

Espresso and mocha notes frame ripe blackberry and plum flavors in this generous red. Well-integrated tannins support the thick texture, while citrusy acidity keeps the finish fresh. Big but balanced, in a modern style. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2026. 555 cases made.

 


Inurrieta, Laderas de Inurrieta Graciano, 2012

91 Wine Enthusiast

Ripe black-fruit aromas include earthy notes and a hint of roasted meat. This is powerful on the palate, with popping acidity and hard tannins. A flavor profile comprised of cherry, plum and berry fruits finishes with oak-based notes of vanilla, mocha and baking spices. This is nowhere near its peak; drink through 2027.

 


Finca Albret, Navarra La Viña de Mi Madre Reserva, 2013

90 Wine Spectator

Baked blackberry aromas are creamy and saturated. On a full and jammy palate, this Caber- net Sauvignon (with a touch of Merlot) is edgy with tannins. Spicy blackberry, olive, herb and coffee fla- vors finish with an odd note of chicken fat as well as chocolate and oak-based toast notes.


Otazu, Altar Red, 2006

90 Wine Enthusiast    

Cool rooty aromas of cola and tree bark grace the nose on this ripe but still not fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon (with 5%Merlot). In the mouth, this is choppy due to sandpaper tannins. Flavors of sarsaparilla, pepper, and blackberry are dense and chewy, while the finish is bumpy and scraping due to aforementioned hard tannins. Drink or hold through2022.

 


Principe de Viana, Edición Limitada Red, 2013

90 Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of cherry, plum, forest floor and tobacco feed into a clampy palate with fresh acidity. Lightly spiced currant and red-plum flavors are limited in scope but nice, while this tastes herbal and feels tight and racy on the finish.

 

 


Inurrieta, Cuatrocientos Crianza Red, 2011

89 Wine Enthusiast

Dark berry aromas are calm and oaky. This blend of60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon feels full and blocky, although bold acidity helps. Minty, oaky flavors of plum, cassis, and tomato are salty and spicy, while this runs long on a finish that boasts a ripe-fruit base.

 


Finca Albret, Navarra Reserva, 2012

89 Wine Spectator

A thick texture carries ripe flavors of blackberry and currant in this chewy, rustic red, backed by muscular tannins and sweet-tart acidity. Licorice, loamy earth and espresso flavors add depth. Tempranillo and Merlot. Drink now through 2025. 1,022 cases made.

 


Finca Albret, Navarra Reserva, 2013

89 Wine Spectator

Raisiny berry aromas are jumpy and foxy as well. In the mouth, this feels dry like desiccated fruits. Black plum, oak and vanilla flavors finish flush and full but also tough and intense. Five years after harvest and this is no easy ride.


Principe de Viana, Reserva Red, 2011

89 Wine Enthusiast  

Ripe, raisiny, lightly baked aromas set up a full palate with tomatoey acidity. Flavors of baked plum and cherry are backed by notes of mocha, tobacco, vanilla, and herbs. A long, balanced, cedary finish helps this along. Drink now.

 


Bodega Otazu, Chardonnay Navarra, 2016

89 Wine Spectator

Apple and pear flavors mingle with toasted vanilla and smoky notes in this firm, lively white. Full-bodied, with racy acidity. Ginger and lemon accents keep this energetic. Drink now through 2020. 6,665 cases made.

 

 


Principe de Viana, Garnacha Rosado, 2016

88 Wine Spectator

This rosé has a deep color and a notable structure, with firm acidity and light tannins. Cherry, orange peel and leafy flavors give this character. A throwback, in a good way. Drink now. 24,000 cases made.

 


Principe de Viana, Navarra Edición Rosa, 2016

88 Wine Spectator

This rich rosé has a lovely texture, round and plush, delivering ripe fruit flavors of strawberry and watermelon, with vanilla and fresh herb notes. Drink now. 1,700 cases made.

 

 


Pago de Larrainzar, Navarra Reserva Especial, 2009

88 Wine Spectator

This firm red offers a core of black cherry and plum flavors framed by coffee, loamy earth, and licorice notes, a nice mix of fruity and savory. The tannins are a bit grippy, but the finish is clean. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Garnacha. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases made.


Bodega Otazu, Chardonnay Navarra, 2016

88 Wine Spectator

Bright, fresh and well-structured, this dry rosé offers cherry, red plum and vanilla flavors, supported by lively acidity and a touch of tannins. Has a bit of fruity sweetness. Drink now through 2019. 2,665 cases made.


Castillo de Monjardin, El Cerezo Unoaked Chardonnay, 2015

88 Wine Enthusiast

Fresh and minerally, melon and peach aromas introduce the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of peach, melon, and passion fruit finish clean and modest.

 


Ochoa, Finca Santa Cruz Single Vineyard Crianza Tempranillo, 2011

88 Wine Enthusiast

Earthy, leathery aromas are baked, stewy and a touch muddled. This feels round and raw, with acidic bite. Flavors of mocha, coffee, toast, and baked, stewy berry fruits finish tannic.