Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
Organically farmed old-vine Verdejo, fermented and aged for nine months in new barrique, 14.5% ABV. Served stone cold, but it warmed up in the glass. Unashamedly rich, buttery and creamy style, clearly lots of batonnage, ripe yellow and peachy fruit, no lack of freshness and the smoky oak is clearly present but it does not dominate the wine. A far cry from the usual crisp, mineral style, but with good weight and yet sufficient restraint and elegance to avoid copying California Chardonnay. Not as obvious as you would initially think, develops subtlety with air. Decant, but do not age.
100% Tinto Fino, average vine age over 40 years, 20 months on new oak. Winemaker is Javier Zaccagnini of Bodegas Ossian (see previous wine). Extremely youthful but already a very attractive package. Has real mineral energy and drive, toasty oak integrates quickly, primary blackcurrant fruit, good tannic grip, lovely balance, floral topnotes (violet), hint of earthiness, lovely freshness to buffer the weight (15% ABV), precise flavours, very good length. Impressive wine, needs 2-3 year to soften, will drink well for 10+ years.
NV Mas Candi Brut Nature 87 Points
Spain, Cava
Intense and mineral style, apple and a hint of citrus, quite powerful but a bit monolithic.
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2011 Ossian Vinas Viejas Blanco 91 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
Organically farmed old-vine Verdejo, fermented and aged for nine months in new barrique, 14.5% ABV. Served stone cold, but it warmed up in the glass. Unashamedly rich, buttery and creamy style, clearly lots of batonnage, ripe yellow and peachy fruit, no lack of freshness and the smoky oak is clearly present but it does not dominate the wine. A far cry from the usual crisp, mineral style, but with good weight and yet sufficient restraint and elegance to avoid copying California Chardonnay. Not as obvious as you would initially think, develops subtlety with air. Decant, but do not age.
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2011 Bodegas AAlto Ribera del Duero AAlto 92 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
100% Tinto Fino, average vine age over 40 years, 20 months on new oak. Winemaker is Javier Zaccagnini of Bodegas Ossian (see previous wine). Extremely youthful but already a very attractive package. Has real mineral energy and drive, toasty oak integrates quickly, primary blackcurrant fruit, good tannic grip, lovely balance, floral topnotes (violet), hint of earthiness, lovely freshness to buffer the weight (15% ABV), precise flavours, very good length. Impressive wine, needs 2-3 year to soften, will drink well for 10+ years.
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