La Comtesse 2013

"The 2013 La Comtesse is also pure Albariño from a special plot from their estate vineyards, Cacheiro, from vines planted in 1965, their oldest and higher altitude wines. In this case fermented and matured in 3,000-liter oak vats. They selected the oldest vines, the destemmed grapes were pressed slowly, and the must fermented during 50 days. The élevage lasted some three months in contact with the lees and then racked and kept for a further 12 months. This cold, late and complex harvest shows a much better integration of the oak. It also helped the fact that the oak is aged: the two vats used for this wine were bought in 2009 and 2012, so, as the wood ages it lends less aromas to the wines and respects the fruit in a cleaner way. The dominant aromas are grassy and very fresh, balanced, subtle and complex. The palate shows a brilliant combination of volume and freshness that make it very satisfying without being heavy, lifted by the acidity. If you want to combine Albariño and oak, this is how it should be done. This is the best vintage of La Comtesse to date. 6,561 bottles produced".