2016 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Well past its best unfortunately; thin and sour. This really shouldn't have been advertised as drinking until 2020; optimistic at best! A big disappointment for a white rioja fan."
Mr Andrew Sturmey (27-Dec-2020)
"For me this is not a Rioja and yet it is. Sour and oaky is the only way I can describe it. If you like oak Chardonnay this may be for you"
Mrs Alexis Ward (01-Dec-2020)
"Here’s a problem with giving stars for review:
This might be the best white Rioja there is, but if the white Rioja as such is not that good, how many stars is it?
I thought I’d give a white Rioja another chance but after this bottle I remain unconvinced. No, in fact I am convinced that white Rioja is only good for drinking on the beach in Spain out of one litre paper cartons bought for 3 euro, out of plastic cups, with lots of ice. "
Mr Andrei Bgatov (17-Oct-2020)
"Ordered one because I like a little oak in Rioja and Chardonnay. This was an elegant, very enjoyable wine. It makes me think of a visit to Rioja , when that happens you know it is a special wine."
Mr Glyn Parsons (10-Oct-2020)
"Oak was just a little too prominent on this one for me, but good fruit flavours of pineapple and melon"
Ms Lisa Harlow (08-Oct-2020)
"I like Rioja wine and have visited many wine makers on the North eastern area of Spain. This is a delightful example of oaked White Rioja. Good with it without food. Smooth tasting with a long finish. "
Mr Glyn Parsons (17-Sep-2020)
"Classic golden Rioja. Honey, vanilla & pineapple. Lovely full buttery body in the mouth but with a lemony aftertaste. Lockdown drinking Summer 2020"
Mr Mike Robb (07-Sep-2020)
"Fabulous on its own but even better with some fried fish tapas. My Spanish son-in-law was seriously impressed. Excellent value."
Mr John Clarke (21-Aug-2020)
"£8.95 well spent! Creamy, good lick of oak, good balancing acidity, full marks for me for this price, what more would you want? Delicious on its own, and paired well on a recent Zoom wine/cheese tasting with harder cheeses. Get involved."
Ms Katy Benson (14-Aug-2020)
"Thought I’d try this. Sadly myself and two friends were unanimous in thinking it so oaky as to be almost unpleasant. Not for those who like their oak to be a lot more subtle. "
Mr James Digman (10-Aug-2020)
"Excellent oaky white perfect for everyday drinking"
Mr Dave Tester (01-Aug-2020)
"3 1/2 stars for absolute quality but 5 stars for value. Tasted alongside the WS white rioja I found this to have more depth. The four years of age have brought richness with a lovely lanolin perfume yet retaining crisp acidity. This is not a wine for folk who like simple fruity wine as the flavours are largely savoury."
Dr Roger Palmer (25-Jul-2020)
"The Navajos Rioja 2016 has lost much of it’s flavour and more of its individuality. I suspect wine buyers have persuaded the makers to de- oak it . From previous times it seems dumbed down. It was my go-to wine with a Craster kipper. Sadly no more does it rate five stars.
Drank the second bottle with chicken and mushrooms. Acceptable but not perhaps the most apposite choice.
Bring back the oak.....please."
Mr Henry Hagger (05-Jul-2020)
"We recently received two bottles of this in a mixed case. For the money - absolutely lovely. Dry, distinguished and easy to drink.
Bit of a change from Chardonay, Chenin and Sauvignon."
Mr David Croft (25-Apr-2020)
"Sour tasting and VERY disappointing... I will not be buying this again. "
Dr Yvette Lewis (20-Apr-2020)
"Absolutely love this wine. Mellow and oaky and our regular house white."
Miss Serra Pitts (05-Feb-2020)
2016 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Times (27th Jun 2020)
"The 100 best wines
for summer 2020: There’s white rioja and white rioja; this is the latter, made
from the Navajas family’s grapes that used to disappear in one of the big guns’
blends, such as Cune. Care of a swish new winery and new oak barrel ageing,
this one has oodles of rich, toasty, vanilla spice. - Jane MacQuitty"
The Times (18th Apr 2020)
"Make this vanilla-spiced 2016 your go-to white Rioja of summer. - Jane MacQuitty"
2015 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
Mr Tristam Fitzhugh (07-Mar-2020)
"We found it undrinkably over-oaked and didn’t get past more than a couple of sips. The rest went down the sink. I’m now left wondering who I can gift the other bottle to. "
Mr Jon Connell (14-Feb-2020)
"Pleasantly surprised by this. Despite the description , I would say it's quite sweet with apricot going on in the background. Worked a treat with Melton Mowbray pork pie."
Mr James Sturt (01-Dec-2019)
"Well oaked, buttery, rounded and smooth - ghee like flavour. Quite a bold wine - I'd possibly buy it again."
Mrs Heather Carr (30-Nov-2019)
"Really enjoyed this. The oak comes through quite strongly but not so much as to overpower the flavour of the wine. Nicely balanced and good value. "
Mr Bob White (25-Jun-2019)
"Slight nuttiness and lactic buttery-ness in the nose. Barrel comes through strongly with oak, vanilla and a touch of earthy brett to finish. Would purchase again."
Mr James Horrocks (15-Jun-2019)
"Subtle, honey, buttered almond milk. Most enjoyable!"
Mr George Fleri (16-May-2019)
"I love this wine! It is gently oaked, a good flavour and goes beautifully with light summer food - salads and fish. "
Ms Joan Ransley (11-Apr-2019)
"Just tried this Rioja but far from impressed. The overall flavour is one of oak and the wine is thin lacking flavour. I would not buy again."
Mr Kenneth Sparham (08-Mar-2019)
"Brilliant value white rioja, will buy again....next time I'll probably cellar it for about an extra year to let the oak calm down a bit, this seems to work well with their reds.."
Mr John N M Richardson (18-Feb-2019)
"Lovely. Will be buying more."
Mr James Hilton Clegg (05-Feb-2019)
"Not normally a fan of white, but this wine was fantastic. Very drinkable, almost had a hint of coconut"
Mr David Black (14-Jan-2019)
Ms Pauline Thompson (29-Dec-2018)
"Rich and oaky finish. Soft fruit on first taste working through to almond and vanilla spice. "
Mr Tom Rodger (17-Nov-2018)
"At first, I found this really quite off-putting - a definite oxidised smell that put me in mind of natural Georgian white wine, or even farmhouse cider. But after a few minutes opening up in the glass, the wine was brilliant. Lots of pear and almond flavours, all with a rich roundness of vanilla oak, and underwritten by a beautiful spicy texture and finish. I'm sure it would pair brilliantly with any number of dishes, from roast pork, to charcuterie, to chicken stews or even mild curries. Definitely recommended!"
Mr Maximilian Yuen (10-Nov-2018)
"Rich vanilla oak and rosey apple nose blends into an apple cinnamon adventure on the palate ... that invites a sip more
"
Mr Hugo Allen-Stevens (23-Oct-2018)
"Far superior to their red offering. I wouldn't call it elegant but it has plenty of enjoyable flavours and a nice plump roundness."
Mr Tom Lavercombe (21-Jun-2018)
2015 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Birmingham Living (1st Apr 2019)
"Another superb wine
from The Wine Society. Aged for six months plus in an American oak barrel, it
provides a rich mouth-filling wine with flavours of pear and almond, followed
by spice and vanilla … excellent value for a wine that delivers so much. - Rob Price"
Sunday Express (1st Jul 2018)
"Aged in new oak
barrels, this Rioja is fresh and bright with a grapefruit twist, lemon and
peach fruit as well as a distinctive vanilla and cedar character from the oak. - Jamie Goode"
The Times (9th Jun 2018)
"Absolutely delicious, ripe, nutty, vanilla-edged, oak-aged white rioja, with a fine oaky finish — salmon loves this. - Jane MacQuitty"
2014 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"As a newbie to white Rioja I have nothing to fall back on, but I found this wine delightful on opening. An immediate burst of oak AND coconut (bizarre). A complex taste followed which lasted for some time, if this is a good white Rioja then it’s outstanding value and I’ll buy more."
Dr Brian Metters (29-Mar-2018)
"Fresh, ripe, with lots of coconutty, vanilla oak. A great value wine that ticks all the boxes for me. I think this will become a firm favourite."
Mr Andrew Howe (28-Mar-2018)
"Excellent white, subtle flavours. The Navajas red is also very good value."
Mr Philip Gulliver (13-Jan-2018)
"I love the Navajas Red and their White and keep asking The WS to stock the Rose but no response yet... This White is one of my favourites and I relished serving it to my Pa who loved the nose and the flavour - both unusual unless you drink White Rioja. I have just started serving this to my step-daughter as she commences her "wine education" and she loves the taste. It is excellent value and I always try and keep half a case in stock."
Mr John Tattersall (24-Nov-2017)
"This is bone dry and very oaky, which I normally love in a white wine. I couldn't decide whether it is just too dry, so I'm buying another bottle to check!"
Mrs Sue Leyland (26-Oct-2017)
2014 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Manchester Evening News (23rd Jun 2018)
"If white Burgundy is
a little out of your price range for a midweek wine then this could be the
answer. Although, of course, it's made from an entirely different grape, viura,
oak still conveys a complexity here that puts the wine in the same context. There's
a lovely coconut and vanilla coating about the nose with a palate that heads to
a zippy lime finish before the buttery texture is able to take over. - Andy Cronshaw"
The Observer (17th Dec 2017)
"[Rioja's] lesser-spotted oak-aged whites can also make
a good alternative to white burgundy, as in the creamy, nutty Navajas Blanco
Crianza Rioja 2014. - David Williams"
Harpers Rioja 10 x 10 (1st Sep 2017)
"A smoky, characterful
and assured wine wih texture, roasted lemon length and very complex."
Lancashire Evening Post (14th Apr 2017)
"This golden wine is
fresh yet demonstrates 'nutty' aromas from the oak with hints of vanilla and a
fuller body than many whites. - Colin Burbidge"
Lancashire Evening Post (22nd May 2017)
"good example of
pronounced oak with vanilla, spice and a smoky edge at a very reasonable £7.95. - Colin Burbidge"
2013 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Smooth,buttery and a not too overpowering taste of oak. Will definitely be buying some more."
Mr Dan Cardilli (30-Dec-2016)
Mr Alex Downham (03-Dec-2016)
"Love the oak in this.... just right. Really earthy, tasty wine. You can drink a glass on it's own, but it's really asking to be enjoyed with food. Absolute bargain at this price."
Mr Tom Watts (02-Dec-2016)
"This is simply delicious. I got a bottle in a mixed case and promptly bought a dozen."
Prof Tim Blanning (05-Oct-2016)
"Certainly complex, but too much oxidation to be genuinely enjoyable. A very traditional style. Other Rioja (Muga) is more Burgundian to my taste."
Mr James Brown (24-Sep-2016)
"Excellent value at £7.50; complex, perhaps with a hint of oxidation? Certainly worth a try."
Ms Louise Everatt (10-Sep-2016)
"An unusual wine. Not typical of white Rioja .Good depth and more than held its own with a challenging food mix. Agree with other members reviews and have reordered - certainly a bargain at this price ."
Mr Keith G Napier (14-Aug-2016)
"I was impressed by the 2012 vintage and was delighted to find the 2013 is, if anything, better still. It has good balance with a refreshing element of melon and spice, not the most complex wine perhaps, but with no detectable vices. Classic white Rioja at an excellent price."
Mr Jeremy D Hicks (06-Jun-2016)
"As with its red Rioja stable mate, this is an excellent wine which is well worth the money. I'm not a big white wine drinker but I'd happily tear my way through a bottle of this. Creamy, oaky, lovely nose and smooth."
Mr Jon Milton (28-Mar-2016)
2013 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Times (3rd Dec 2016)
"White rioja loves big
food and could manage turkey and all the trimmings if you eased back on
garnishes. As bold, oaky and creamy vanilla pod-spiced as you would expect, but
in addition to fine new oak barrels, Bodegas Navajas has access to some of
Rioja’s best vineyards, hence the oodles of rich, tangy fruit here. - Jane MacQuitty"
joannasimon.com (27th Jul 2016)
"
Traditional,
oak-aged white Rioja: buttery Marmite toast plus lemony fruit. A steal.
- Joanna Simon
"
The Observer (15th May 2016)
"
Match
you wine to music: If you want to approximate that match of savoury white
burgundy with Simple Minds and scallops , but would rather not shell out £40,
you could do worse than pick up this classy bargain of a white rioja, which
has similarly savoury oaky flavours mixed with fresh apple fruit at a
fraction of the price.
- David Williams
"
The Scotsman (6th Feb 2016)
"If you fancy an oaky
white, this is an excellent easy-drinking bargain. I liked the balance
between ripe fruit, soft oak notes and vibrant acidity so it is full in the
mouth, but still refreshing with a crisp dry finish – you could serve it as an
aperitif or with kedgeree. - Rose Murray Brown"
2012 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Bored with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and looking for something different, try a bottle, great as an aperitif served slightly chilled on a summers evening."
Dr G Davison (11-Aug-2016)
"Disappointing to be honest - very delicate flavours that don't suit our palate. In our opinion, it doesn't compare favourably to some Albarinos or Ruedas in the same price range."
Mr John Cunningham (08-Jan-2016)
"I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviewers. This is a special wine which keeps pleasing - glass after glass. It's not overpoweringly oaky as white Rioja often can be, and is towards the drier, fresher end of the scale, though without any discernible acid."
Mr Kevin Barry (10-Dec-2015)
"This is a very pleasant white Rioja, creamy and smooth. Biscuit, peaches and vanilla. Not a long finish. I really, really like it."
Mrs Carla Noden (17-Oct-2015)
"Chardonnay like oaky, toasty, creaminess. On the mid palette there's ripe pineapple, a hint of tangy citrus and then passion fruit after it's had time to breathe - all in a smooth golden way. On the aftertaste there's cloves, warm spices and tree resins - these last all the way to the next sip! Does have characteristics of an aged/fine wine. The acidity doesn't have massive impact but the lovely detailed flavours more than make up for it. A true bargain. Incredible value for £7.50 when you consider it has bags of well developed flavour and not a rough edge in sight."
Mr Anthony O'Halloran (28-Jul-2015)
2011 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Youthful white Rioja with some peach blossom & green mango on the nose, soft stone fruit on the palate with a wisp of citrus lime and cox apple. There is a prominent overlaying flavour of new Oak giving some vanilla & toasty beurre noisette on the finish. A little more acidity and oak intergration would have suited my palate but all in all an added dimension to the sometimes austere unoaked trend in modern Riojas, this reminds me of old style white Rioja without the oxidative character. Worth a try!"
Mr Alexander Lomas (17-Nov-2014)
2010 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"The first taste told me it was a bit different, nice surprise, very enjoyable. A fresh and crisp wine. Recommended."
Mr F P Wood (14-Sep-2014)
"It might be worth clarifying that Maccabeu and Viura are alternative names for the same variety?"
Mr Peter J Brennan (02-Aug-2014)
"This really is a sensational wine, a number of reviews have likened it to Californian Chardonnay due to the pronounced oak - which I believe to be a fair reflection. However, if you've ever tried and are a fan of Vina Gravonia wine then you'll immediately associate in more direct terms. In conjunction with the oak, there are hints of lemon and honey on the nose - with an almost pineapple citrus taste through out that lingers until the end. Serve this wine at 14-16 degrees to fully enjoy, any cooler and this looses depth. At this price this really is worth a purchase - whether it be a 'punt' or a calculated acquisition. Great with fish and chicken, and can hold its own even with a degree of spice in the recipe."
Mr Lee Scott-Douglas (27-Jul-2014)
"I am just about to order yet another lot. Reading the reviews this wine seems to split opinions, according to whether people like oak or not. I don't usually, but my husband and I both love this stuff."
Mrs Jane Barry (10-May-2014)
"I'm tasting the 2009 again today and sensing a bonkers disconnect between the low selling price and the quality of this deep, complex long lasting wine… OK it's woody, but I like woody wines, I hope Mr Brennan is right, as I prepare my order for the 2010…
"
Mr Matthew Hudson (23-Apr-2014)
"This might just be the best value white on The Society's list - verging on fine. I'd say it's a somewhat modernist take on traditional white Rioja. Indeed, I'd love more of the resiny flavour that Ms Lorenz so disliked! It's a pity that this style has nearly disappeared, to be replaced - in the main - with undistinguished, if technically correct, 'fresh' wines that don't age. I wonder how this would taste in 10 years' time, and perhaps will keep a bottle back to see - if I can resist drinking it now!"
Mr Peter J Brennan (04-Apr-2014)
"I agree with Mr Kerry, reminds me of those oaky Californian chardonnays that are so expensive and hard to come by, but at an everyday price. Hints of spice and toast make this a marvellous if perhaps unfashionable wine. We loved it for a wine at the fuller end of the spectrum."
Mr Charles Stokes (11-Jan-2014)
"Different. For fans of oak in value white wine. Would buy again."
Mr Jamie Anderson (05-Jan-2014)
"Very disappointing. Strong resiny flavour and very yellow colour. Had to pour most of it away."
Ms Mia Lorenz (03-Jan-2014)
"Navajas Crianza Rioja is a favourite, however this was terribly disappointing for three members of our family, and really quite unpleasant."
Mr Charles W Duncan (28-Dec-2013)
"Intense yellow colour, then a fabulous oaky bouquet hits you, this is a rich full flavoured white wine. Reminds me of the Californian Chardonnays. Would certainly buy again."
Mr Daniel Kerry (13-Sep-2013)
2009 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"This must be a 'dividing' wine as I disagree with the negative reviews. I thought this was a rather good example of a white Rioja - and I have tried several. Many white Rioja's lack the oak and vanilla tones that make Rioja distinctive, but this one is has those flavours and is clean and fruity as well."
Ms July-Suzanne Le Brocq (06-Jan-2013)
"From: Pierre Mansour, Buyer at The Wine Society. Thank you for the reviews on Navajas Blanco. It is made from viura, the traditional white grape of Rioja, (known as macabeu in the rest of Spain). Viura is a fairly neutral-tasting grape which has an excellent affinity with oak and Navajas is made with this in mind. We list it because it reflects the classic white Rioja style, made oxidatively in contact with new oak, which results in a vanilla, spicy flavoured wine. It is therefore a very distinctive style of white wine which often divides people (as is clear from the opposing views quoted below) but a very good example of the style at an excellent price.
"
Mr Pierre Mansour (02-Jan-2013)
"With respect, I have to disagree with the previous review of this wine. Great wine it's not, but it's well made in the older Riojan style. Certainly not harsh, it has obvious nutty nose and palate with a balance of fruit and acidity to keep it refreshing. Distinctive character which makes it good value. Interesting blend of grape varieties including Tempranillo. I would like to know if that is the red grape or newer, white variety. Over to you WS!"
Mr Geoffrey Bolton (26-Dec-2012)
"Harsh, like chewing on an oak leaf. Reminds me of days gone by when Spanish producers would add oak chips to cheap white wine."
Mr Iain Luke (18-Dec-2012)
2008 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"It seems from other reviews that this is a polemical wine! I'm afraid I'm in the 'nay' camp here, I found this wine to be overly simplistic and tart. The Muga Rioja Blanco got me interested in this style of wine and even though it's a similar price I found it to have much more weight, balance, and enough fruit to balance the citrus than the Navajas. Having read the description this obviously came as a real disappointment, but it shows just how subjective wine is!"
Mr Peter Kyle (03-Aug-2012)
"This wine is amazing. It tastes expensive... but is under £10. I give it 10 out of 10 - in fact I'm ordering more!!"
Miss Louise Woolmer (25-Jun-2012)
"Perhaps I was missing something, but for me this was like tasting a block of wood. It took me back to the bad old days of Australian chard."
Mr Tristan Ward (07-Jun-2012)
"Wonderful wine - both elegant and quite typical. We gave this to friends to taste blind alongside a decent Meursault, and it held its own. It would be good to have a reserva or gran reserva from this outfit!"
Mr Peter J Brennan (29-Mar-2012)