2016 Brecon Albarino (Library, Club Only!)
Brits are best known for the Barmy Army, Monty Python, Mad dogs and Englishmen. Hummmm seems to be a trend here. So it was no surprise that Brecon was initially considered Barking Mad for hanging their hats on an Albarino as one of their signature wines. After scoring 96 points twice in two days in 2015. The method to their madness has become quite clear.
Even in Portugal/Northern Spain the best examples of these wonderfully crisp yet aromatic food wines come from within a couple of miles of the coast. In California, marine fogs cool the grapes, resulting in a long ripening period, super intense flavors and aromatics. The tropical complexity/richness was so intense in 2016 we deftly melded in around 10% Albariño from other ranches to ensure the varietally correct citrine characters were suitably enhanced.
94 Pts. purely domestic wine report. Sept 2017
91 Pts. Wine Enthusiast
90 Pts. Vinous
Albarino is a crisp aromatic varietal. We do all we can to capture these aromatics with long slow almost icy cold ferments. Our yeast choice is vital and the light fluffy lees component is fermented/matured in oak that averages just 2.5 years. This enables us to stir these lees biweekly giving a rich, toasty, biscuity, blending component that complements the mouthwatering acidity.
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Varietal | Albarino |
| Varietal Composition | 100% 2016 Albarino
89.4% Spanish Springs
7.8% Derby Vineyard
2.8% Jack Ranch
|
| Appellation | Central Coast |
| Sugar | .06g/100ml (Dry) |
| Acid | 0.69g/100ml |
| PH | 3.31 |
| Aging | Drink now to 2020 |
| Alcohol | 14.20% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/30/2017 |
| Cases Produced | 380 |
This particular vineyard is a mere 1.8 miles from the ocean. Close enough to catch a few waves during your lunch break. Protected from the wind and salty sea air by a series of rolling hills. The seemingly endless growing season and resultant hangtime, are for a winemaker, just marvelous.
