2019 Dolio, F. Algueira, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

The 2019 Dolio is a cuvée of Mencía, Brancellao (quite a lot here), Sousón, Caíño and Garnacha Tintorera created as a blend with the help of Telmo Rodríguez and Pablo Eguzkiza in this first vintage, but they should go much further in future years. They selected north- and west-facing vineyards to achieve more freshness in the wine, trying to reflect the huge potential of Ribeira Sacra. The full clusters were foot trodden and fermented in a troncoconic oak vat with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225-liter barrels and 2,000-liter foudres for 24 months. But the wine has no influence from the wood and is floral and perfumed. It has good grip, fine tannins, moderate ripeness and 14% alcohol, and it's very clean and balanced, with elegance and precision. The best wine from Algueira in recent times. 6,665 bottles were filled in May 2023.Drink 2024 - 2030Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (August 2023)

Simply, unique. It needs a lot of aeration before tasting, otherwise it can show some rusticity due to some reduction. After one hour, the wines opens up in the most delicate array of aromas, with fresh red berry fruit, some mint, a bit of of toffee. In the palate, the acidity is almost provocative, enhancing a delicious fruit expression, admirably fresh and enticing. The wine caresses your palate, with firm but suave tannins and a lovely slowness. The main variety is Mencía, but the wine has nothing to do with neighbouring Bierzo, because of that shocking freshness. Probably the most Burgundian of Spanish wines in this market, singing old vines, impressive slopes, a difficult climate; a most challenging wine because of its very originality. It can become an icon. I insist, please do not even think of trying the wine without aeration!Drink 2023 - 2039Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW, Decanter.com (August 2023)