Heretat Navàs 2018

Heretat Navàs epitomises tradition, simplicity and authenticity. A typical Montsant wine, due to its accessibility and varied coupage, a blend of native varieties (Garnacha and Cariñena) and foreign ones (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah); a flavoursome wine, with no rough edges and very versatile when it comes to food pairings. Don't think of its simplicity as a defect, but quite the opposite, as signifying an authentic wine that is unpretentious, natural and complete. It is one of those wines too which tastes even better the following day, like a good stew does when left overnight. Heretat Navàs displays fresh aromas, of ripe red fruit that gives a refreshing feel, Morello cherries and crunchy crystallised raspberries, along with pleasant scrubland balsamic notes, mild hints of both coffee and toasted bread, and a light floral background. Bright as a button, this wine has a very attractive sweetish touch, making it extremely moreish. Mediterranean warmth gets released from the glass too, with a show of earthy notes there in the wings, a clear reflection of this dry landscape. On the palate, it offers a juicy, very silky entry, with considerable powerfulness but less expressive than on the nose; even so, it is definitely fruity, with well-integrated tannins, accessible and easy-drinking, not bitter or tart, and concludes with a very refined finish, slightly honeyed and suggestive of breadcrumbs. Balanced and perfectly smooth, one of those wines which, with all due discretion but fully aware and proud of its merits, capably fills glasses and empties bottles.