La Comtesse 2016

Like an updated and slightly more powerful, ripe and concentrated version of the 2013, the 2016 La Comtesse was also up for tasting. 2016 was not an easy year, but this comes from some of the oldest vines they have, from a plot that has more regularity in the crop. This is very young and feels a little raw. There are some aromatic notes from the oak aging that need polishing, but the wine will not be released just yet and should have some time in bottle. It's a good example of an Albariño that can age; it has concentration and balance, and in a year like 2016, there is a spark of acidity that provides freshness and length. As I've seen with the regular Albariño in 2017 and 2018, this 2016 shows fresher than the 2015 La Comtesse, which has more concentration and power, but this is subtler and more nuanced, fresher and a little more elegant and harmonious. 11,500 bottles produced. This shall rest in bottle for some six or seven months from now until it's released. - Luis Gutiérrez. 

The know-how of one of Spain’s top white winemakers, Marqués de Murrieta, shows in this, one of the most genuine, complex Albariños. Fermentation and four months’ ageing in large oak vats has conferred aromatic complexity, with just a hint of wood, alongside ripe apricot and quince maromas and a lovely floral expression. Impressively built, retaining delicious juiciness.