Recaredo Subtil Gran Reserva 2011

"The 2011 Subtil Finca Serral del Roure (a Brut Nature Gran Reserva with the name of the vineyard on its label) is a blend of 66% Xarello and 34% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay was regrafted to Malvasía (for a still wine) in 2014, so the wine will see a radical change from that vintage on, as they decided to get rid of all the foreign grapes for their wines. It matured in bottle in contact with yeasts for 66 months (or five years and six months). This was a very dry year, but the wine is surprisingly fresh and keeps very good acidity, and the nose and flavors are complex, balsamic, with notes of licorice. It's as intense as it is subtle and turns more balsamic with time in the glass. 11,500 bottles produced. There is no 2012 of this wine; the 2013 will be like this; 2014 was not produced; and in 2015 it's 100% Xarello and might even change its name."