Artadi Izar-Leku Mahastiak 2018 (750ML)

94+ WA

The sparkling 2018 Izar-Leku is from the Getariako Txakolina appellation and was produced with 90% Hondarrabi Zuri and 10% Hondarrabi Beltza grapes. It was kept with the lees for one year (one-third in barrel) and with a second fermentation in bottle where the wine matured with the lees for 36 months (they don't want a longer time with the lees). It has 12.55% alcohol, a pH of 3.123 and 8.2 grams of acidity, which is quite high, making it vibrant and lively on the palate and with a bone-dry finish. It has a fascinating and complex nose that is very attractive, aromatic, expressive and open. 2018 was a cooler year with more rain in Zarautz, and the search is for purity, finesse and depth. It has abundant yeasty aromas and a saline note and is clean and delicate with very abundant bubbles. It feels a bit too young (keep it for a while) and with very high acidity. 16,000 bottles produced. It was disgorged in September 2022. Luis Gutiérrez – The Wine Advocate