Domaine Arretxea - Haitza 2014
Haitza 2014 from Domaine Arretxea embodies the deepest, most earthy, and noblest dimension of Irouléguy reds, in a vintage that successfully combines maturity, freshness, and great precision. The dark ruby robe, slightly evolved towards garnet, signals a complex and well-aged wine. The nose opens with aromas of ripe black fruits, wild blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, enriched with notes of fine leather, blond tobacco, and sweet spices. In the background, hints of sweet pepper, licorice, black pepper, and a smoky touch reminiscent of the terroir blending red sandstone and schist emerge. The palate, ample and structured, reveals a dense yet elegantly melted texture, where the tannins, once firm, are now perfectly softened. The finish, long and flavorful, offers admirable relief, with a return of black fruits, Basque garrigue, and warm stone.
With aeration, Haitza 2014 gains even more complexity, unveiling nuances of pure cocoa, undergrowth, dark chocolate, stewed fruits, and dried herbs. The wine breathes the maturity of a long and controlled aging, as well as a vinification designed for depth rather than showmanship. The texture, velvety and coherent, maintains a remarkable freshness that reflects the mountainous climate of Irouléguy. The mineral framework of the terroir appears in the wine’s verticality and structure, while the patina of time rounds the edges and enriches the aromatic profile. Each glass expresses a perfected balance between contained power, elegance, and inner energy. This is a red that fully reveals the aging potential of this iconic cuvée, capable of crossing the years with nobility.
At the table, Haitza 2014 is a wine of great gastronomy, ideal for powerful and refined dishes. It pairs magnificently with roasted Aldudes lamb, a slowly braised leg of lamb, matured beef, farm-raised guinea fowl with mushrooms, or a delicate game dish. Its spicy and slightly smoky profile also makes it a natural companion for characterful cheeses, notably the aged sheep’s milk cheeses from the Basque Country. Served around 16 to 17 °C and, if necessary, after a short aeration, it unfolds all its complexity and depth. Already splendid today, it can still evolve for a few years, developing notes of noble leather, dried herbs, candied black fruits, and subtle spices. This is a great author’s red, classy, vibrant, and deeply rooted in its terroir, which brilliantly testifies to the rigor and vision of Domaine Arretxea.
Grape varieties: Tannat and Cabernet Franc
