The Pazo de Barrantes is one of our favorite Albarinos, and the 20201 is another fantastic example. As we have said before, it's more reminiscent of white Burgundy than it is an Albarino, and winemaker Pazo Barrantes' goal here is to make a world-class white wine with the Albarino grape, and he has done it again with the 2021 vintage. The vines in this thirty-five-acre vineyard are about 60 years old, and the outer vineyard is lined with 400+-year-old eucalyptus trees that provide shelter and some influence in the wine. The yields are kept low, and the vineyard is sustainably farmed to produce the highest quality fruit possible. 2021 was a small crop, and this bottle is more vineyard-driven than the previous two years, showing lovely aromas of white flowers, lemon peel, liquid minerals, wet stones, and stone fruits. The palate is elegant and refined with tons of dry extract and salinity, as well as citrus, dried apricot, and a long, lingering finish. It's delicious and highly recommended!

Wine Advocate (Luis Gutierrez) 94+ points! "The 2021 Gran Vino Albariño is the third vintage of this new cuvée from their 12 hectares in eight different plots (Cacheiro, Huerta, Besada, Eira, Ferradiña, Ferradura, Tomadiña and Souto) in the Valle del Salnés plus a further hectare rented from the archbishop. The destemmed grapes were pressed and the must let to settle and then fermented in stainless steel for around 30 days. The wine was kept with the lees in stainless steel for six months and then a further six months without the lees. Fifteen percent of the volume matured in acacia wood barrels. It was kept in bottle for around 20 months before being sold. It has 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.25 and seven grams of acidity (tartaric). It's pale and elegant, insinuating, perfumed, floral and subtle. It's lighter but very vibrant, and it's fresh and with volume and very tasty flavors. This could be the finest vintage to date—elegant, clean, classical and Atlantic. 105,274 numbered bottles and 1,827 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2022. The wine is released almost two years after the harvest."

Vinous 92 pts! The 2021 Albariño Gran Vino emerges from Rías Baixas, with 15% undergoing fermentation in acacia barrels. This yellow wine with a greenish sheen exudes a tropical bouquet of melon, lime, green apple and herbs. Dry and rich, it presents a creamy flow and a saline palate that lingers with multiple layers—truly a delightful white. (Drink between 2024 - 2032)

Albariño

2021 Marqués de Murrieta Albarino Gran Vino Pazo de Barrantes