A gorgeous nose on this Rias Baixas Albarino: wonderful definition and lift with lemon curd, passion fruit, hints of rosewater and frangipane. The palate is well balanced with excellent acidity and tension, then making way from intense citrus/apply fruit towards the finish. Linear at the moment, I would actually give this another six months to a year in bottle to develop a little more nuance. Excellent. Tasted June 2009.

Another unusual offering from this producer, an oak-aged Albarino, named after an instrument played by medieval pilgrims. Toasty oak and apple aromas, full apple-earth flavors, and a dry, well-proportioned finish. An exotic, toasty wine for the adventurous.——M.M.(8/1/2000)—— 87