2014GorrondonaWhite2014 Doniene Gorrondona, Txakoli, Bizkaiko Txakolina, Spain.
Facing the sea in the historic Basque region of Northern Spain, Gorrondona makes some wonderful old vine wines in the Bakio Valley, especially their brisk and energy filled white Txakoli made from Hondarribi Zuri. This zesty and vibrant white has Chablis like steely qualities with chalky stones and eye popping lime notes along with searing acidity and offers wonderful low alcohol refreshment. The property is tiny, only about 15 hectares sloping towards the Cantabrian Sea, it is a rocky and sandy site and includes a parcel of pre-phylloxera vines that date back to about 1852, but might be even older. The ocean influence and cool climate really show in the wines, in particular the white Hondarribi Zuri grape picks up the saline and brine and makes this Txakoli perfect with oysters, clams and mixed seafood and native cuisine. This wines here at Gorrondona all made with natural yeasts, all organic grapes and reflect the passion and sense of place, these are terroir driven and dynamic wines, these are lovely wines both the white and their Tinto that takes a bit like a fine Cabernet Franc. The white is vivid, delicately pale and offers the mentioned lime along with white flowers, river rocks, salt lick, green apple, tangerine and hint of basil like herb with a very light and mouth watering body. Drink this electric white wine over the course of the next year or so, best young and fresh, one of the top Txakolinas out there, look for it!
($23 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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