Navarra Graciano

Balsamic vinegar, and fig Newtons, lingering tannins.

Great wine for the price. Mineral, dried figs, tannic

For the money (£6) this is top drawer. Heady, peppery and smoky, blackberry, liquorice and chocolate. Immediately pleasing, big, soft, spicy and quite alcoholic. But good character for a few squids. Jubbly lovely. 2012 vintage. The next vintage (2013) is much lighter, and more acidic in style

I know it is from Navarra and not Rioja, but this seems to lack all of the spice and power that Graciano should have. Medium bodied, good zesty acids, but just meh. I would guess in different circumstances this would be great.

like the bird design on the front connotes : “cheap!”

Very tasty. Red fruits, great balanced acidity. Not super expressive, but totally easy to drink over a nice dinner without it being entirely lost.

Beautiful ripe fruit. Paired nicely with a flank steak. For $16 it's worth splashing the extra cash versus all the boring (but solid) tempranillo & riojas out there.

Great varied taste 🍷

Bar del Pla

Silky, lighter body - quite nice value. I can see how Graciano might be to Tempranillo what Merlot is to Cabernet Sauvignon.