We just tasted this, and we are calling it Spain's version of Chablis. It's a mineral-driven beauty with tons of dry extract and lovely salinity, perfect with lighter fare. The 2022 Bodegas Rafael Palacios Godello Valdeorras Louro do Bolo is a notable expression of Godello from Valdeorras, which is sandwiched between Galacia and Castello y Leon. Godello is a very aromatic and refreshing varietal, similar to Albarino, with lots of floral, herbal, citrus, and mineral flavors. The grapes for this wine come from organically farmed vineyards at 2,000 feet elevation planted on granite with sand and clay deposits. Winemaker Rafael Palacios has been crafting wines in Valdeorras since 2004, focusing on revitalizing old vineyards that were abandoned after the phylloxera outbreak and depression of the 20s. It is here where he highlights the potential of the Godello variety from these forgotten sites. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, producing wines with concentrated flavors but with balanced acidity. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in large, neutral oak foudres, which enhances its texture without imparting excessive oak influence, with a brief aging on the lees before bottling. This is a fantastic example of Godello and stunning value, and it is perfect for getting acquainted with the region and the grape—two nice notes from Vinous and Wine Advocate; this has just arrived in stock.
Wine Advocate (Luis Guttierez) 93 points! "The 2022 Louro still feels a little reductive and has pungent balsamic notes of bay leaf. It was a very warm year with constant heat and very healthy grapes. It keeps the freshness but still feels the roundness of the year. Most of the grapes were picked before the rain they had in September. It's tasty with a salty twist in the finish. These wines benefit from time in bottle; this 2022 still feels too young and undeveloped to me."
Vinous (Jaoquin Hildalgo) 92 points! "The 2022 Godello Louro Do Bolo is sourced in O Bolo, Valdeorras and was aged for four months in foudre on fine lees. It has a greenish hue with a yellow sheen. The nose reveals notes of green apple, herbs and chamomile, along with hints of white flowers and peaches. Rich, concentrated and oily, with a refreshing, taut palate, this detailed white lingers long and precise. (Drink between 2024-2029)"
2022 Bodegas Rafael Palacios Godello Valdeorras Louro do Bolo
2022 Bodegas Rafael Palacios Godello Valdeorras Louro do Bolo
We just tasted this, and we are calling it Spain's version of Chablis. It's a mineral-driven beauty with tons of dry extract and lovely salinity, perfect with lighter fare. The 2022 Bodegas Rafael Palacios Godello Valdeorras Louro do Bolo is a notable expression of Godello from Valdeorras, which is sandwiched between Galacia and Castello y Leon. Godello is a very aromatic and refreshing varietal, similar to Albarino, with lots of floral, herbal, citrus, and mineral flavors. The grapes for this wine come from organically farmed vineyards at 2,000 feet elevation planted on granite with sand and clay deposits. Winemaker Rafael Palacios has been crafting wines in Valdeorras since 2004, focusing on revitalizing old vineyards that were abandoned after the phylloxera outbreak and depression of the 20s. It is here where he highlights the potential of the Godello variety from these forgotten sites. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, producing wines with concentrated flavors but with balanced acidity. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in large, neutral oak foudres, which enhances its texture without imparting excessive oak influence, with a brief aging on the lees before bottling. This is a fantastic example of Godello and stunning value, and it is perfect for getting acquainted with the region and the grape—two nice notes from Vinous and Wine Advocate; this has just arrived in stock.
Wine Advocate (Luis Guttierez) 93 points! "The 2022 Louro still feels a little reductive and has pungent balsamic notes of bay leaf. It was a very warm year with constant heat and very healthy grapes. It keeps the freshness but still feels the roundness of the year. Most of the grapes were picked before the rain they had in September. It's tasty with a salty twist in the finish. These wines benefit from time in bottle; this 2022 still feels too young and undeveloped to me."
Vinous (Jaoquin Hildalgo) 92 points! "The 2022 Godello Louro Do Bolo is sourced in O Bolo, Valdeorras and was aged for four months in foudre on fine lees. It has a greenish hue with a yellow sheen. The nose reveals notes of green apple, herbs and chamomile, along with hints of white flowers and peaches. Rich, concentrated and oily, with a refreshing, taut palate, this detailed white lingers long and precise. (Drink between 2024-2029)"
