La Calma 2016

I had two vintages, 2015 and 2016, of the top whites to taste and compare. The 2016 La Calma is a varietal of Chenin Blanc from a very dry and warm vintage, and it achieved 13.23% alcohol after fermenting in 450-liter French oak barrels and maturing there for five months. It has a phenomenal nose, combining some varietal aromas and notions of wet stones, while the palate combines volume and concentration with intense minerality and a dry, long, tasty finish. Great Mediterranean Chenin! 3,237 bottles were filled in March 2017.

There’s a fresh, tropical edge with peaches and a grassy nuance, too. The freshness here is very attractive and there’s a fresh, crisp feel to the palate. Very composed, focused and elegant at the finish. Drink now.

Can Ràfols is an exceptionally interesting property, also known for its uncommon (to Spain) plantings of Chenin Blanc and Incrocio Manzoni. The 40-year-old Chenin Blanc vines grow on limestone soils that were once under the sea, and are full of fossilised seashells. This ages beautifully with a pure, stone-fruit palate, and has two years’ bottle age before it is released. Drinking Window 2020 - 2026