Pazo Barrantes Albarino Rias Baixas 2021 750ml
DescriptionThe 2021 Pazo Barrantes continues this prestigious estate's tradition of crafting age-worthy Albariño that transcends the variety's reputation for simple, drink-young wines. This vintage shows beautiful evolution from the 2020, demonstrating how serious viticulture creates consistency across years.
The wine presents a bright golden color with hints of green. On the nose, the 2021 shows a slightly different profile—more citrus-driven than the 2020, with Meyer lemon and grapefruit joining the stone fruit notes. The old-vine complexity remains evident in layers of white flowers, wet stones, and that distinctive hint of smoke that marks this estate. The oak influence has been perfectly calibrated for the vintage, adding subtle spice and texture without dominating.
The palate confirms Pazo Barrantes' status among Albariño's elite. The texture is sophisticated—rich yet precise, with the kind of balance that comes from old vines and expert winemaking. Citrus and stone fruit flavors show excellent concentration, while the mineral backbone provides structure and length. The 2021 shows particularly good energy, with acidity that lifts the substantial fruit and creates a dynamic drinking experience. The oak integration is masterful, adding complexity without weight.
Pazo Barrantes 2021 reinforces this estate's position at Albariño's pinnacle. The consistency across vintages proves this is no fluke but rather the result of exceptional terroir and winemaking. The finish is very long and complex, with waves of fruit, mineral, and subtle spice. This is white wine for the serious collector, offering both immediate pleasure and aging potential. A benchmark for what Albariño can achieve when ambition meets tradition.
