Bodegas Caudalia, Baja Montaña, Navarra (Spain) Syrah 2015

 I’ve traveled to Navarra sporadically for more than 20 years, and confess to being somewhat surprised that the region hasn’t managed to make a bigger dent in the American market.  Starting after my first visit in 1997, I guessed that the widespread usage of French vine varieties would help Navarra gain traction in the USA, but events have proved me wrong.  Be that as it may, my qualitative evaluations are definitely better than my commercial predictions (which is why it is a good thing I’m a reviewer rather than an importer!), and there’s no doubt that is a superb wine being offered at a price well below its value in relation to fine Syrah from anywhere – including the northern Rhône.  Very deeply pigmented and quite dark in color, it shows expressive aromatic notes of violets and black raspberries, followed by delicious, rich fruit with just the right touch of spicy oak and lots of supple, fine-grained tannins.  Gutsy but still classy, this is terrific Syrah.