Raúl Pérez 2023 Bierzo Blanco 'La del Vivo' La Vizcaina

Tasting this wine cemented in my mind the feeling that Raúl's whites are clearly some of the most memorable and fine white wines of Spain. Mostly Godello here (85-90%) with some Dona Blanca. There is lovely mid-palate weight from the Godello, but the fascinating element is the subtle use of flor that Raúl employs. The Doña Blanco spends a year in anfora and a year in barrel, and develops a thin layer of flor in the anfora. By no means an oxidative style, the lifted aromas from the small percentage of Doña Blanca are exquisite, and the balance of the wine is ideal. I'm hesitant to compare it to a good White Burgundy, mostly because the wine is so special and really doesn't need to fit a mold. Any fan of fine white wines will appreciate this local expression from one of Spain's most visionary and accomplished winemakers! This beautiful white from Raúl Pérez should not be missed.  EL