The 2012 Santa Cruz de Artazu is a ripe and powerful vintage, with penetrating aromas of black fruit, some minty notes, good complexity, and a pungent palate, with good depth and persistence. The round tannins still bite a bit, but are better balanced than the 2011, and should get polished with some time in bottle. This has very good balance and structure, and should make old bones. This is a great vintage for Santa Cruz, a powerful Garnacha. Drink 2015-2020.

This rich red delivers plum, currant, cola and spicy flavors that mingle in a plush texture, with light tannins and tangerine acidity providing structure. Harmonious and energetic, showing good depth. - winespectator.com, August 2016

Garnacha located in Artazu village at 450-600 m, calcareous clay soils. Hand-harvested and low yields of 2,500 kg/ha. Cold maceration and fermented for 12 days. 12 months in 500-l French oak barrels. Very ripe character of the fruit showing plums, prunes and figs. Fleshy fruit sensation and juicy palate. Very well charged with ripe fruit. Touch of chocolate on the back palate. Very Garnacha and outstanding savoury fruit. (FC)

Garnacha. Just a 6-ha vineyard of 90- to 100-year-old vines. 25 hl/ha. 500-l barrels and only about 20% new. Very juicy and intense but a dry finish. Just a little dry on the end. Should age pretty well. (JR)