Marques de Murrieta

Focused, ripe, mineral and intense, with lemon rind, stones and sea salt. Very tense and integrated, with tangy, bright acidity chiseled to the round, textured palate. An exceptional, transparent yet serious albarino here. Irresistible now. Drink on

The lovely Pazo Barrantes estate has been the home of the Creixell family since the 15th century. (They also own the Castillo Ygay estate in Rioja, with its Marqués de Murrieta wines.) Its 12ha of vineyards were replanted in 1982, and the winery opened

The essence of classicism, built upon utmost care in the vineyard and the strictest selection. Made from selected plots within a single vineyard, aged in concrete for one year before starting oak ageing during 28 months, followed by bottle ageing for

Extremely well-mannered, traditional character to this, showing layer upon layer of savory complexity on the nose, with iron, dried meat, tobacco, balsamic fruit, dried red berries, orange peel, leather and dried mushrooms. A medium-to full-bodied, linear

The wine feels lively, and it seems impossible that it has been in bottle for over six years. It has the classical profile with the effect of the American oak barrels, cigar box, cedar wood, sweet spices aromatic, intoxicating, complex. This should age