2006 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”

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

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Vintage 2006
• Bottle Size 750mL
• Blend 70% Tannat, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation Irouléguy
• Country France
• Region Southwest
• Vineyard 20 years, 2 ha
• Soil Sandstone
• Winemaker Thérese & Michel Riouspeyrous
• Aging Organic, Biodynamic
• Production 3300 cases
• Alcohol 12.5%