Notes from Kermit Lynch:

"Welcome to Basque country, where Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous of Domaine Arretxea biodynamically farm Irouléguy’s steep mountain slopes just miles from the Spanish border. There is a lot of wine here: Tannat and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon give a powerful beast built for the long haul, yet delightfully balanced at only 12% alcohol. Pitch-black in color with dense, earthy tannins and suggestions of wild forest berries and spice, their Haitza bottling is the Pyrenees’ answer to Clape’s Cornas and Tempier’s Cabassaou."