Chivite Las Fincas La Zorrera 2015

Chivite is one of Navarra's longest-established producers, and Las Fincas La Zorrera comes from a single vineyard in the warm Tres Riberas zone of southern Navarra. Garnacha thrives on the continental climate here, where hot days and cooler nights extend ripening and preserve acidity in a grape that ripens fully and accumulates sugar, hence the 14.5 percent alcohol. The fruit is farmed under sustainable practices, picked ripe for concentration. After fermentation the wine spends 24 months in oak barrels, an extended ageing that softens Garnacha's naturally supple tannins through slow oxygen exchange while oak lactones contribute vanilla and sweet spice. The colour is deep and dark. The nose is intense, leading with ripe plum and red berry fruit, black pepper, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy edge from the long barrel time. The palate is full and warming, the ripe fruit framed by rounded tannins, liquorice and a mineral undertone, closing long. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.