Bodegas La Val : Gran Añada 2020

The top-of-the-range Albariño 2020 Gran Añada had a longer aging before bottling. It has a complex nose with notes of peach, apricot, flowers and herbs and already some Riesling-like nuances of diesel. It was kept with the fine lees in tank for four years. It has more ripeness, with 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.2 and 7.4 grams of acidity. The palate is quite polished, serious, sharp and austere, supple and fresh, with a saline twist. 7,250 bottles were filled in December 2024. In future vintages, they will introduce some foudres for the élevage.

Dried apples, peaches, white flowers and a hint of petrol. The medium- to full-bodied palate is chiseled and savory, with a core of stone fruit and fine textural balance. Aged four years on the lees in stainless steel. Refined, showing remarkable depth and complexity, with a subtle creaminess framing the freshness. Drink now or hold.

A more serious, aged wine, the 2020 La Val Gran Anada comes from a very warm year that saw early budbreak in the vineyard, the estate Finca Arantei and Taboexa in this case, from which the best grapes are picked for this wine. It is only made in years when there's exceptional aging potential. Left four years on its fine lees in French oak and stainless tank, it exudes elegance and finesse, with a touch of petrol, barely ripe pineapple, bay leaf, and lots of acidity. Structured and medium-bodied, it’s long and effusive, spending one more year in bottle before release. The minerality is striking, as are secondary aspects of white flower, vanilla, and even balsamic notes. This has years more to go; enjoy now and over the next 10 years.