The 2014 Gabatxo is almost a new wine as it's now a 50/50 bend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, and it used to be pure Garnacha. This is the only wine where different zones are mixed, as the Tempranillo is from Rioja Alavesa and the Garnacha from Rioja Baja, the Garnacha from Cárdenas that does not make it into the Ganko. It does feel really different; the Tempranillo brings some seriousness, focus and precision. It's not only a matter of a different variety from a cooler zone, it's also the fact that now he's working some with his own vineyards. It's very fine and elegant, and it's terribly tasty and fresh, perhaps mineral, almost salty and it makes you salivate. This is a cuvée on the way up. Awesome value. 12,000 bottles in 2014, and there will be a little more in 2015.
K&L Notes
Olivier Riviere is part of the talented next generation of Rioja, a member of the "Rioja n' Roll" collective, and definitely someone who is making some of Rioja's most interesting wines these days. Gabaxo, Spanish slang for a Frenchman, consists of 50% estate tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa, and Garnacha from the Rioja Alta village of Cardenas. Fermented with some whole clusters and aged in older oak, the wine is structured and nicely serious, while maintaining its fresher dark fruits and mineral profile. A great introduction to Olivier's delicious Riojas.
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