The white 2018 Nelin is their interpretation of a white from Priorat; it's a Garnacha Blanca-based blend that fermented with indigenous yeasts and some skin contact in a very slow fermentation and a long aging where they use all different materials—oak, concrete, clay and stainless steel. They are now introducing some local varieties like Trepat Blanc and Cartoixá (the local name of Xarello), and they are slowly removing the French grape varieties—the 2018 doesn't have any Pinot Noir. They only used 2,200-liter oak foudres, and there are no more barrels. It has a moderate 13.5% alcohol and good freshness. The wine is more and more austere, with a notable absence of fruit; it's spicy and herbal, with notes of chamomile and some aromatic herbs. The palate is very balanced, with a stony and austere sensation, finishing dry. It's lively, vibrant and alive, with expressive flavors and finishing almost salty, with a bitter twist. It has a lot of finesse and nuance. It should develop nicely in bottle. This wine hasn't stopped changing in the last few years, and it surprises me more each vintage. This has to be the finest vintage to date. 7,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2020. They have planted a lot of local white grapes that will come into the blend in the future. - 96pts, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Winemaker Notes
LIMITED– PLEASE INQUIRE Clos Nelin produced by René Barbier is a combination of 4 different parcels, totalling 10 hectares. The combination of 50% Grenache Blanc, the other 50% a mixture of Viognier, Pinot Noir (vinified as a white), Roussanne, Marsanne, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez & Escanya Vella come from vines that range from 10 to 30 ... Read More
About the Producer
A wine that shows us the splendor of each vintage based on the wisdom of the past and the wealth of the present. A mellow, passionate and living style that year after year, challenge after challenge, harvest after harvest reinterprets its style to keep its essence intact. Valbuena is the purest expression of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Vega Sicilia. Tinto Fino is clearly the predominant wine in the assemblage of the varieties that make up this magnificent wine. The other variety used is Merlot, which is added to a greater or lesser extent depending on the vintage.
