Valcarlos Fortius Reserva 2018 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 90/100

Valcarlos Fortius Reserva 2018 Navarra (50% Tempranillo, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon) spent 12 months in a balanced mix of American and French oak, emerging with a deep garnet hue and a complex, inviting profile. On the nose, ripe cassis and brambleberry are woven with cedar-box spice, a wisp of smoke and a touch of vanilla bean. The palate is silky yet robust—blackberry compote and savory herb notes glide into layers of clove, baking spice and toasted oak, all lifted by bright acidity and framed by fine-grained tannins. A long, multi-dimensional finish lingers with tobacco leaf and savoury herbs. Perfect alongside char-grilled ribeye with chimichurri, steak sandwiches melting Swiss or cheddar over caramelized onions, or game sausages with a side of smoked paprika–roasted peppers.

Food pairings: steak from the grill, meat pies, meat loaf, bobtje.

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This Valcarlos Fortius Reserva 2018 was reviewed on July 5, 2025 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2016 

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