The 2004 Arzuaga Gran Reserva, blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and spending 48 months in French and American oak. There is nothing terribly wrong here, yet it just seems bowdlerized of personality on both the aromatics and on the palate, with an excessively sweet finish. Drink now. Bodegas Arzuarga Navarro was founded by Florentino Arzuarga in 1993. They offer a reliable portfolio of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reservas that are perhaps a little too polished and occasionally fall into the trap of relying on excessive French oak. However, I found them to be cleanly made. Only the Crianza is imported into the United States, although I found the time to taste all their current releases. Importer: This was being imported by Fine Wine Imports, but I was informed that this has recently ceased.

Bright ruby. Oak-spiced cherry and raspberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of pipe tobacco, licorice and vanilla. Smoky and sweet on the palate, offering smooth red fruit compote flavors and a good wallop of sweet vanillin oak. Finishes spicy and broad, with supple tannins and lingering smokiness. Aficionados of old-school Spanish wines will appreciate this wine's expression of sweet fruit and oak.