Nivarius Valdesabril 2020, Palacios, Rioja, Spain

From a tiny vineyard of old Viura (100%) clones, at over 625 meters altitude comes this stunner!

Showing a straw yellow colour in the glass (including the rim/edges) it offers up real intensity on the nose - scents of pear, quince, balsamic pome fruits with a touch of herbs. On the palate, it is fresh with spectacular tension, glyceric sensations and stone fruits*
The finish offers the stone fruits, with herbs and subtle candied fruit.

The 2022 vintage, while not yet released for sale (needs a little more aging they tell me!), was just voted 'White Wine of the Year' by Tim Atkin in his Rioja review!

and the Critics?

Tim Atkin 95 points
James Suckling 92 points 'incisively mineral with white blossom and some white fruit on the nose'
Penin Guide 95 points

and Decanter just scored it 95 points also!

*Stone Fruits - technically peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, apricots, mangoes, olives etc, even raspberries and blackberries - but while I got peaches, nectarines and mango, my fellow tasters got plums and apricots - so you decide!!

Alc Vol. 13.5%

Last tasted: July 2025