2017 Joyce Vineyards, Albariño, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County.
The new release of Joyce Albariño is an electric shock of fresh intensity and vitality, this is an awesome crisp and zesty Summery white that has some serious crunchy minerals and extract, it saw a lengthy cool fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, then raised on the lees in 50% stainless steel barrels & 50% seasoned well used small French oak barrels up until it was bottled. Vibrant and crystalline with mouth-watering saline infused stoniness this is a bravely brisk wine that refreshes the palate and thrills for it’s vigorous nature, perfect for the warm Spring and hot Summer ahead, Russell Joyce and team at Joyce Vineyards are making some marvelous wines, with three new bright and dry wines getting released, this beauty, plus a dry Rose, that I wrote up last week and their bone dry Riesling Alluvial Fan, all of which are irresistible and dynamically fresh. This 2017 Albariño is itself almost like a Trocken Riesling with laser like focus and youthful charm it shows unripe green apple, tart citrus, quartz rock, grey sea salt and snappy herbs, it’s a steely white that will play well with briny dishes and lighter cuisine, especially oysters, mussels in spicy wine broth and marinated octopus. This ultra clean, brisk low alcohol, acid driven and zippy white is one of the best yet of unexciting group of local Albariño offerings and well worth getting multiple bottles or cases, it gains gentile Lime/orange blossom, delicate florals, loam and white peach elements with air and subtle leesy notes, yummy stuff, drink now and over the next year or two.
($22 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
