Domaine Ilarria, Blanc, Irouleguy

Exotic and flush. Big guavas especially on the first day, but still there on the third with also a bit more flowery brine. Very good.

Buttercup yellow; mix of shale, pineapple, yellow flowers; verging on opulent, with counterbalancing cut, crisp fruit; clean vibrancy on positive, spicy finish. Very long. Drink now, but should easily hold 12+ months.

50% Petit Manseng (Izkiriota Ttipia in Basque) 50% Petit Courbu (Xuri zerratia in Basque) from limestone soil and certified organic farming. Maceration with skin. Fermentation and malolactic in stainless steel. Aged on lees in both stainless and barrels. 13.5% Abv. Grower/Winemaker: Peio Espil A(ccuracy)=2: Med yelllow/gold. Nectary aromatic. B(alance)=2: Round and supple components; bit shy on vibrancy. C(omplexity)=2: Melon, citrus, mineral. D(epth)=2: Opulent mouthfeel. Expressive length and lingering finish. Wine Tally Score [2,2,2,2] = 8/10 Distinctive character. Tasting differently young …

This was much better than the clunkier 2012. Has aromas of iron, shale, earth, honey, grass, citrus and melons. Its refreshing zesty minerally white fruits quite corpulent palate has lovely delineation. Ends mediumish fresh and aromatic. Nice! 13.5%. This is a vin biologique and all the better for it. Drink up in the next year.