Fermented in foudre (large oak), this is Rafa’s “entry-level” Godello but there is nothing simple about it; yields were incredibly low in the 2017 vintage due to frost and drought, so the fruit is even more concentrated and complex than normal. The nose is full of peach, crunchy pear and soft minerality, while the palate is taut and saline. There’s a citrus and mineral intensity, with real palate weight which creates a textured mouth-feel. This is a fascinatingly different wine from the previous vintage but nonetheless maintains that same streak of pure salinity that defines Rafa’s wines and which underlines why he is often referred to as the best white winemaker in Spain.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

The 2017 vintage was complicated, with severe frosts and drier conditions than usual resulting in around 40 percent less production than in a normal year for As Sortes. The resultant wine however has incredible concentration and ripeness but, despite that, the whole profile of this wine remains about finesse and elegance. The nose has a touch of tropical green fruit coming through, yet is still fine and fresh. The palate contains a touch of passionfruit and guava yet the overriding sense is of juicy lemons, with a pithy backbone maintaining freshness. All the expected stone and saline character of fine Godello still comes through and the wine is straight-backed and refreshing. This is a fascinating and delicious expression of As Sortes. Drink 2019 to 2025.

Valdeginés tends to display the most “Atlantic” character of the ever-impressive Artadi single-vineyard wines, generally transmitted by its cool, dark-fruited style and slightly firm tannins. Nonetheless, the conditions of the 2017 vintage, with a severe frost destroying 40 percent of the crop in the spring, has resulted in a far more concentrated Valdeginés than normal. Gloriously suave, sweet blackberry fruit comes to the fore, yet the wine remains fresh and fine. There is a succulence here yet it is allied with an earthy mineral quality which “grounds” the wine, keeping it focused. The tannins are smooth and coat the palate, leaving a pure, fruit-driven finish. This wine has matured over two winters already, the first in barrel and the second in bottle, and it really isn’t that far off drinking beautifully now. Equally it will improve for a decade. This is an amazing-value Valdeginés. Drink 2020-2028.