Rafael Palacios As Sortes 2021

Rafael Palacios As Sortes 2021

 

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Rafael Palacios
As Sortes 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Spain
  • Region : Galicia
  • Subregion
  • Type : White
  • Style Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Godello

This is a serious wine, characterized by its balance of richness and fresh acidity–and a wonderful example of Godello’s potential when placed in the right hands. Structured and precise, it displays a distinctive minerality that tells of its mountainous origins.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 96 2021
DCT Decanter 91 2020
JD Jeb Dunnuck 95 2016
WS Wine Spectator 93 2016
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2014
JR Jancis Robinson 17.5 2014
More information on wine critics and ratings

Vineyards: The vineyards are located in the Northwest of Spain, in Galicia. The vines are planted on steep terraces in the right bank of the Bibei river, between 600 and 720 metres above sea level. The soils are sandy and shallow, mainly of decomposed granite. The subsoil is pure granite, and the roots do not penetrate more than 1 or 2 metres. The climate is a combination of continental and Atlantic, depending on each parcel as some areas are more protected than other by western mountains. Annual rainfall is around 850 and 1000 mm. As Sortes is sourced from old vines parcels owned by Rafael.

Viticulture: Viticulture is organic and the vines are planted in bush and espalier training systems. The age of the vines varies from 8 to 90 years. To avoid sunburning the vineyard is covered with straw in the summer.

Winemaking: The must ferments in temperature-controlled 500 litre French oak casks, and then spends 7 months in contact with the fine lees in the same casks. 20% of the casks are renewed each year.

Tasting Notes: The nose is very complex and elegant, displaying aromas of ripe green apples, honeysuckle, fennel and slowly opens up to walnuts and cream notes in the glass. It is perfectly balanced in the mouth displaying freshness, concentration, and creamy texture.

Rafael purchased some mature vineyards in Valdeorras in 2004, motivated by the idea of recuperating this unique sub-zone of the Bibei Valley in the Municipality of O Bolo. He has accomplished this with resounding success. Much like neighboring Ribera Sacra, much of the Godello in Valdeorras is cultivated traditionally on steep terraces. The predominance of small plots is the result of inheritances drawn by lot, often out of a hat, called “Sorte” in the Galician language, and the… Read more

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2021)
The super elegant and austere 2021 As Sortes has a sense of harmony and subtleness that is moving. I found great purity, precision and symmetry in the wine. It has marked granite sensations in the palate; it's very tasty, long, fine-grained and textured, with the cold texture of the year. Palacios compared 2021 with 2012, which was very cold and dry before the harvest. It has to be one of the most elegant vintages of As Sortes.

Decanter (DCT) : 91 Points (2020)
Intense aromas of citrus fruit with some creamy, oaky and savory tones. Full-bodied and very ripe, well-textured palate.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 95 Points (2016)
From higher elevation, granitic and sandy soils in the Bibei Valley, the 2016 As Sortes is 100% Godello that spent seven months in 20% new 500-liter French oak. Made by the youngest of the nine children in the Palacios family, it's a seriously impressive wine that has depth, balance and class, offering white flowers, citrus, salty minerality, white peach and hints of Meyer lemon. Rich, nicely concentrated, balanced and beautifully layered on the palate, with building richness, it's unquestionably the finest Godello I’ve ever tasted and well worth seeking out.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2016)
This white is rich and vibrant. Electric acidity fuels ripe flavors of pineapple, mango and tangerine, while mineral and ginger notes add interest. Expressive and energetic. Godello.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2014)
Light, hazy yellow. Deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by iodine, smoky lees and dusty minerals. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering intense pear, nectarine and orange flavors and a strong floral note that builds on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse, finishing with impressive persistence and resonating floral and mineral notes. Made in 500-liter barrels, including 20% new French oak.

Jancis Robinson (JR) : 17.5 Points (2014)
Bottled June 2015. Crackling reduction – still smarting from being bottled, but the fruit is impeccably pure too. Dense on the palate, but not heavy. Waxy, fibrous texture with loads of chew and volume. Serious, savoury and wholesome.

Rafael Palacios Louro Godello 2022
Rafael Palacios Louro Godello 2022
Rafael Palacios
Louro Godello 2022
RP
93
WS
92
JD
93
If we had to pick an example of wine to illustrate the word “balance” it would be Louro. It combines the freshness of Galician wines with the richness of lees contact and oak ageing in a very elegant and subtle way. Rich but precise, this is a a real treat for discerning palates.
27,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
75,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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Rafael Palacios As Sortes 2021 Reviewed by Robert Parker 05-09-2023 . Score: 5