Daterra Viticultores
80-120 year-old-vines, hand harvested, no fining or filtration, minimum sulphur use. Field blend of Mouraton, Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Marenzao, Gran Negro, Dona Blanca, Colgadeira and Godello. Winemaker Laura Lorenzo was the winemaker and viticulturist at Dominio do Bibei for close to a decade. Searching blueberry and blackberry, the aromas are precise and vital. There’s a touch of reduction, but it’s a feature, not a fault. It’s perfumed. There are green fruits as well as red and black, like gooseberry. The aromas are like descending steps into a still, dark pool. But on the tongue, there’s energy, sap and salinity, sublime freshness, wonderful drinkability and a defined mineral edge. A quietly brilliant, entirely unshowy wine, relaxed in its own skin and not trying to be anything it’s not.
Vilmart et Cie
Disgorged December 2016. 55-year-old vines, family owned since 1890. 10 months in 228l oak barrels, no malo. Subtle nose, white flower and almond. Touch of confit lemon. Fresh, lively, intensely wound and coiled in flavour, but light and drinkable. Distinct mineral seam. Balance, harmony and finesse. Will age beautifully. Deep seated acidity. Saline finish.
Vilmart et Cie
Disgorged June 2017. 45-year-old vines, family owned since 1890. 10 months in 228l oak barrels, no malo. Vanilla-flecked apple compote on the nose, very fresh. A fairly light, direct, precise style, with lovely fresh mineral sheen on the palate. A wine of great elegance and class, stylish, sophisticated, harmonious and satisfying. Very drinkable. Impressive.