Gabaxo is Olivier’s only wine that blends fruit from various sites within Rioja. The Tempranillo and Graciano are from Rioja Alavesa, planted on rocky, clay-limestone soil at 500 meters above sea level. The Garnacha is from Cárdenas in Rioja Alta on red clay at 600 meters and from Rioja Baja. Gabaxo is a not wholly flattering term for a French border jumper – a nickname that Olivier embraces with pride. Along with Bastid, Olivier considers Gabaxo to be equivalent to Côte de Nuits version of Rioja.
94/100pts, James Suckling
