Leirana 2018

Along with 2015, 2018 has to be one of the finest vintages of recent times, and that's seen in the entry-level Albariño 2018 Leirana, the regional bottling of the Salnés, a wine that has evolved, mixing own and purchased grapes, from the coast and more inland parts. I tasted it next to the recently bottled 2019, and this has the advantage of one extra year in bottle, plus the perfect conditions of the year. This is the wine that sets the tone for the vintage, the wine they work to get the best quality possible, improving year after year. It has a very saline and Atlantic expression, with some volume, vibrant acidity and a salty finish with nuance and finesse. Everything seems to be in place—there's great balance, and it's approachable, with more elegance than other years. This has a sweet spot four or five years after the harvest. Incredible value for the price. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2019.