Decanter Scores Pazo Barrantes Albariño

A team of Spanish experts tasted through 137 Albariño wines and rated Pazo Barrantes and La Comtesse in the top 10. See below notes from the judges.

Pazo Barrantes 2020 – 95 Points
The lovely Pazo Barrantes estate has been the home of the Creixell family since the 15th century. (They also own the Castillo Ygay estate in Rioja, with its Marqués de Murrieta wines.) Its 12ha of vineyards were replanted in 1982, and the winery opened in 1991. This wine spends two months on lees; 85% is then aged in stainless steel for seven months and 15% in 225L acacia wood barrels. It spends 16 months in bottle before release.

Sarah Jane Evans MW: Opulent and perfumed with golden fruit. The palate is bold and intense with ripe fruit subdued by the oak, giving richness. A complex and individual wine. 

La Comtesse de Pazo Barrantes 2018 – 94 Points
Smoky oak, quince and citrus make an appealing combination on the nose. Youthful palate despite its years, showing lemon curd, patisserie and rich fruit conserve. Finishes long, with structure that will allow further ageing.