The clean barrel-fermented white 2014 Macabeu from Mas Rodó is produced with Macabeo (Viura) grapes from old vines on clay and limestone soils. It's creamy and reminiscent of some whites from Rioja (with which it shares grape variety), and the Macabeo, even if slightly neutral, benefits from time in barrel and then needs time to showcase the character of the soils. It turns more and more balsamic with time in the glass. I looked up what I wrote last year, and it's among the same lines, so good for consistency. It has good freshness and precise flavors, even if it needs to develop more nuances in bottle. Clean and sleek. 4,500 bottles produced.

The 2013 Macabeu from Mas Rodó has a deep golden color and an oxidative nose mixing aromas of nuts and honey with distant apple notes. In a way the palate is reminiscent of the old-style whites from Rioja, also produced mostly with Macabeo (Viura). which are sharp, have good acidity and though not very powerful are whites that usually age well in bottle. I'd like to see this wine at age ten to see if the evolution is anything similar, especially in a cold vintage like 2013. Unusual, but very good in its style. 4,500 bottles produced.

The 2012 Macabeo is produced with Macabeo (or Viura) grapes, which is a relatively neutral white variety that takes the oak aromas and flavors well and produces interesting oak-fermented or oak-aged wines which evolve for a long time in bottle. This seems to be the case here. The wine has abundant balsamic notes and oak-related aromas of sweet spices, toast and smoke, well-married with apples, pears and white flowers in a clean, elegant way. The palate is quite balanced, with good acidity and a bittersweet finish. Drink now-2019. Importer: CatWineUsa, LLC.; tel. (859) 420-3893

The 2010 Macabeu comes from 30-year-old vines cultivated at 500 meters altitude, using just the free run juice and aged in new French oak for three months. It has an attractive nose of honeysuckle, melted wax and almond that is well-defined and lifted. The palate has good weight, with dried apricot and nectarine on the entry and just a touch of waxiness towards its focused, fresh finish. The oak interplays but never infringes upon the fruit profile. This is very well-made pure Macabeu that shows what the grape can achieve. Drink now-2015+. Importer: Cat Wine USA; www.catwineusa.com