Albariño
Castro Martin Albarino 2004
I was quite surprised to find a synthetic cork when I opened this wine, in fact this wine was full of surprises. It is the first wine with an "alternative closure" for Tinto y Blanco actually. I'd prefer a screwcap for white wines, but it is a move in the right direction all the same.
I never realised how old some of the vines in Rias Baixas are, the average vine age for this wine is 50 years. I really liked this wine at an off-line a few months ago as was quite keen to have a look at it in more detail. I try to make sure that Albarino is not super cold when I drink it, for me it needs to be around 12 degrees or above to show it's best.
Very pale, almost translucent. Apple and white peach on the nose with some white flowers. Not what I was expecting in the mouth, the wine seems soft and broad rather than the crisp and tight I was looking for. Its still quite fresh, with loads of lemon, white peach, and a bit of apple. The surprise was the acid, while it's there, its in the background, almost as an after thought. Let it warm up a bit and the wine appears to be more integrated, becomes a more focused with the aromatic characters showing their stuff. An interesting wine, I'll have another look at it in summer. 88 Pts.
Source: Retail RRP: $25 Closure: Synthetic Cork
Web: www.bodegascastromartin.com
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11 comments for “Castro Martin Albarino 2004”
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Albarino is a variety that we should all drink more of. I drank a fair bit of it in Spain last summer and going to give it a big go when the weather warms up.
What is your Albarino of choice Shaggy?
I reckon doing albarino too cold is not good. It’s actually pretty aromatic, and a hard chill mutes that. Treating it like chardonnay or viognier, chill-wise, seems about right.
I’ve just got in a stack of albarino to try, including the 2004 Santiago Ruiz, that I’m really looking forward to. I also re-stocked on the 2004 Valminor, which is my albarino of choice at the moment.
I had the 2005 Martin Codax when in San Sebastian over luncheon and it was a RIP SNORTER. Excellent stuff.
GW
The July list from the Spanish Acquisition that arrived today has September as the Oz arrival date for 2005 vintage Spanish gear, including from Castro Martin. My order of Davila’s 75% albarino, 15% treixadura and 10% loureiro blend is also on the way, and should be very tasty.
I see my work has been done for me….
My pick is the Valminor, one of the best albarinos that makes it to Aus. The martin Codax is good gear, but I don\’t think anyone brings it in? Granbazan Amber is good as well, I will pick some up and write some notes in the next couple of weeks.
Call me a freak, but I like some of oak aged Albarinos, we don\’t seem to see them out here. Albarino is quite good with a couple of years on it as well…
Well I think there is an Opportunity for us here Shaggosaurus… get your wife on the phone to Galicia and order a pallet (oh and order a palate while you are there too
)
GW
PS. You are a freak.
GW
Done, your palate should arrive in 4-6 weeks.
Don\’t worry Lincoln and David seems to be holding the fort at Winorama….
PS. I really asked for that freak comment didn\’t I?
What is with the \’?
\’?
GW
Thanks boys
\’?