Bodegas Zarate 'El Palomar' Albarino 2023

An unusual departure from the clean tropical stony flavors of Albariño. An exotic nose, slightly oxydative of honeyed papaya dominates, which carries to the leesy rich palate, balanced with sanded orange acidity and crushed charcoal. A step up and away from fresh, lithe white wine, into a new profile that demonstrates maturing depth and expression. This lovely white was inspired by techniques employed in Rioja, where the wine sits on its lees for extended time in neutral oak barrels, then ageing in bottle before release. ******************** No scores but I expect something like these as these are both warm years like 2023...2022: 95 pts Wine AdvocateThe 2022 El Palomar has an expressive nose with more exuberance, reflecting the warmer year. It has pungent flavors, with some notes of cereals and honeycomb, and it's gentle and accessible, very approachable and tender. This should be a commercial success, with its velvety texture and integrated acidity, slightly riper. 2,500 bottles and