Envinate 'Lousas Vinas de Aldea' Mencia 2023

I tasted a very promising barrel sample of the 2023 Lousas Viñas de Aldea, cropped from a more Atlantic, cooler and rainier year (especially when compared with the super warm and dry 2022). Right now, it's super primary (the blend will have some 40% to 45% wine from concrete), and they are slowly introducing larger oak foudres (3,000 liters) and lowering the impact of the oak in the wine. This has very good freshness, purity and elegance, reminiscent of past vintages like 2021 or 2016. It has terrific balance. There will be around 32,000 bottles that should be filled in November 2024. Drink 2025 - 2032 94-96 pts, Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate.