2025 Brecon Albariño (Back at long last) (97Pts.)
There is no defined script for the making of Brecon’s wines, but this year we really have deviated into a territory "Dr. Livingstone, I presume" would be proud of. All this in the name of consistency. Our refreshing Albariños are a dang hard act to follow, particularly after a string of Best in Show awards for previous vintages. Aromatic as ever, it jumps from the glass with hints of elderflower and lily blossom. It is varietally true, being all citrine, with crisp fresh lime dominating. The finish is surprisingly rich, with a softness, biscuity toastiness, reminiscent of a good champagne.
Brecon was initially considered “barking mad” for hanging its hat on an Albariño. The wine, of course, is nothing but serious. But now it includes a little Austrian Grüner Veltliner, perhaps we are indeed “just one stop short of Barking” (a London Underground reference).
97 pts, Best in Class Womens International Wine Competition, May 2026.
Our vineyard locations naturally move it more towards the richer U.S. palate than expressions seen in its Portuguese or Spanish roots. 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 and matured in 75-gallon stainless barrels. This enables us to stir these lees biweekly, giving a rich, toasty, shortbread-like component that further complements the mouthwatering acidity. Only in rare vintages do we top up with other varieties; this would be only the third incidence, we believe.
| Vintage | 2025 |
| Varietal | Albarino |
| Varietal Composition | 94.5% Albariño, San Luis Obispo Coast
5.5% Grüner Veltliner, San Luis Obispo Coast, MarFarm Vineyard |
| Appellation | SLO Coast |
| Acid | 0.67g/100ml |
| PH | 3.27 |
| Aging | Drink now to 2035 |
| Residual Sugar | 0.02g/100ml dry |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/31/2026 |
| Cases Produced | 431 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Arguably, the best European Albariños are grown within sight of the Atlantic Ocean in their native Spain and Portugal. Likewise, Brecon’s is a mere stone's throw (by trebuchet) from one of the Central Coast’s most renowned beaches. These vineyards all have a uniquely intense flavor profile. One could speculate that this derives from the seemingly endless growing season since the marine fogs cool the grapes daily. The soil is pretty damn interesting too. More importantly, it's close enough to the ocean to catch a few waves during your lunch break. :-)
