2014 As Sortes

Godello. Old vines (from 50 to 100 years old). Wild-yeast fermentation in 500-l cask with a subsequent ageing of six months on its lees. Very opulent oak, more showy than previous vintages but still very good quality. The nose is showing toast, smoke and lots of ripe peach. Powerful palate, creamy texture but retaining a lingering acidity. More burgundy style than ever. (FC)

The 2014 As Sortes blends Godello grapes from seven plots planted with old vines ranging from 40 to 96 years of age. The 2014s have a good combination of low pH and ripeness, so they should age beautifully. The must fermented in 500-liter French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in contact with the fine lees for some six months. It's still very young, a little creamy from its upbringing, and it will be much better with one more year in bottle. Palacios tells me the weather conditions were somehow similar to 2011 with some rains before the harvest and a soft summer that allowed for a slow, perfect ripening of the grapes while keeping very good levels of acidity. That really shows in the wine, which has great precision, lace-like, very focused, with deep flavors and pungent, sharp acidity and minerality. It has a great combination of power and elegance. This should be a long lived As Sortes. 22,400 bottles produced and filled in May 2015.

Light, hazy yellow. Deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by iodine, smoky lees and dusty minerals. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering intense pear, nectarine and orange flavors and a strong floral note that builds on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse, finishing with impressive persistence and resonating floral and mineral notes. Made in 500-liter barrels, including 20% new French oak.