Adega Algueira: Cornamus 2023

Colin Hay über: Cornamus

(Ribeira Sacra DO; 100% Godello planted on two very steeply sloping terraced vineyards at 200 and 600 metres of altitude; aged for 15 months in oak foudres; 13.5% alcohol; just 3050 bottles produced). A new presence on la place. Fascinating and, again, highly distinctive. Wild mint, Bergamotte, eucalyptus, privet, a hint of yuzu too and some lovely subtle floral notes. In the mouth this is, for now at least, dominated by the citrus – above all citron pressé and white grapefruit zest. There’s a more herbal element too – fennel seed and oregano, marjoram perhaps. Indeed, we have here something like the parfumier’s essence of mountain herbs. Fabulous. Glassy and intensely fresh with a rapier like clarity. Sapidity and salinity combine on the finish to render this even more succulent and juicy. Delicate and very refined yet vivid and vibrant at the same time. This has much in common with wines like Asphodèle and Lilium from Château Climens, above all in its crystallinity and that signature ‘white’ florality.