Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada 2012

The bright yellow, almost fluorescent 2012 Albariño Selección de Añada has to be one of the finest released since the first vintage of 1995. It matured for more than 36 months with the lees in small stainless steel tanks and then was bottled in April 2021. It has great aromatic complexity with no oxidation whatsoever. It has notes of pine needles and dried herbs, quince paste and a hint of smoky lees and petrol. The palate is seamless and precise, with 13% alcohol, nicely integrated acidity and very good balance. It's still incredibly young.

Anyone who still doubts Albariño's ability to age as well as top Riesling or Chenin Blanc should get hold of a bottle of this stunning release from Ana Quintela. Sourced from four hectares in the higher part of the estate, it's a white that still has the potential to evolve further in bottle. Lime, lemon and grapefruit flavours are complemented by granitic intensity, effortless concentration and a dry, palate-cleansing finish. 2024-35