The top-of-the-range 2019 La Comtesse comes from a vineyard called Cacheiro, 1.4 hectares of their oldest vines (planted in 1965) that deliver lower yields and aim to showcase the aging potential of Albariño. The must fermented in 3,000-liter oak vats where the wine was kept for 12 months, the first three with the lees, and then it was kept in concrete for a further 12 months. It has a golden color and an intense nose but with subtle aromas and almost no trace of oak. 2019 was a warmer, very complete and balanced year of powerful wines with concentration, clout and very good balance and freshness. This has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.25 and 7.3 grams of acidity. It has a round and creamy texture and is velvety and tender, sleek and elegant. 9,655 bottles and 400 magnums produced. It was bottled in April 2022.
96 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Adovcate (Jul 2024)
The 2019 Albariño Gran Vino de Guarda La Comtesse hails from Pago Chacheiro, a single vineyard planted in 1965 in Salnes, Rías Baixas. Fermented in oak and aged in concrete vats, this yellow wine features aromas of hops, orange peel and quince, complemented by apricot, jasmine and a delicate hint of oxidized green apple. Dry, creamy and saline, it lingers with a vibrant and tasty medlar finish. This is a truly complex and savory white that showcases the pristine coastal character of the Rías Baixas.
94 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Apr 2024)