Gomariz X 2017

I tasted two vintages of this Albariño from Coto de Gomariz, and the 2017 X showed fresher, less evolved and more harmonious than the 2016. I've always liked their Albariño, even though it's not traditionally bottled separately in Ribeiro, and it certainly behaves better than Godello in the warmer Leiro-Gomariz zone. It used to be from a single vineyard, As Penelas, where the soils are rich in slate, but in 2017 some 30% of the grapes come from a new planting on granite soils. Slate is certainly different in that it delivers a riper and more continental Albariño when compared with Rías Baixas, with aromas of yellow fruit and honey, but it also seems to have more freshness than the 2016. It's very tasty and has a pleasant bittersweet twist on the finish; it has complexity and great length, combining power and elegance. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this bottling. The volume has grown to 10,000 bottles. It was bottled in May 2018.