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2006 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine Arretxea
For years we’ve been nagging you to lay down some of Arretxea’s Irouléguy, and finally we have the liquid proof that these singular Basque wines deserve a place in your cellar. This 2006 Haitza has aged at a glacial pace: still black in color and saturated with wild fruit and grippy tannins, it has many years of life ahead. With some time in a decanter, a different beast emerges, its perfume suggestive of elderberry, wildflowers, pink peppercorn, and espelette, while the mouthfeel reaches a heavenly velveteen apex. Structurally speaking, we are in the realm of old school Cornas, while the caliber of craftsmanship at play is on par with greats like Clape and Verset.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2006 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 70% Tannat, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Appellation: | Irouléguy |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southwest |
Producer: | Maison Arretxea |
Winemaker: | Thérese & Michel Riouspeyrous |
Vineyard: | 20 years, 2 ha |
Soil: | Sandstone |
Aging: | Organic, Biodynamic |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Production: | 3300 cases |
Alcohol: | 12.5% |
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About The Producer
Maison Arretxea
About The Region
Southwest
Tucked away beneath Bordeaux and buffeted by the Pyrenees to the south, this expansive region of France, commonly known as the Southwest, is home to a diverse number of viticulture and gastronomic traditions as well as cultures. Though Cahors might be the most well known (and easiest to pronounce) appellation from the Southwest, the importance and influence of French Basque culture cannot be underestimated. Irouléguy, the primary appellation of the Basque region of France produces full-bodied, hearty red wines, produced from Tannat grape (known for its tannic qualities). Dry whites from Irouléguy are also produced from Petit and Gros Manseng. Northeast of Irouléguy is the sweet wine-producing appellation of Jurançon. These moelleux wines made from Petit and Gros Manseng have a storied history in France, from being the first wine region to have a vineyard classification, which dates back to the 154th century, to being preferred wine of royalty dating back to the 16th century as well as the French poet Colette.
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Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
For the wines that I buy I insist that the winemaker leave them whole, intact. I go into the cellars now and select specific barrels or cuvées, and I request that they be bottled without stripping them with filters or other devices. This means that many of our wines will arrive with a smudge of sediment and will throw a more important deposit as time goes by, It also means the wine will taste better.