100% Late Harvest Hondarrabi Zuri (Botrytis in exceptional vintages) - Estate grown. The wide range of soils and microclimates in the vineyards make for a harvest that stretches out over weeks. Sustainable viticulture and environmentally friendly winemaking stamp their mark on the personality of this Txakoli. In the same style as its well-known sister wines of Sauternes, Barsac and Jurancon, the grapes are over-ripened on the vines and harvested throughout November. The extended ripening of the grapes results in a natural raisining and a concentration of sugar and acid. Spends a breif time in new 225 liter French oak barrels. Bright golden yellow. The bouquet highlights its complexity, combining the aromas of the orange peel, pear, wax, and honey with spice notes from its brief spell in the barrel. Its time in the bottle has given it a palate that is sweet, long, dense, unctuous and lasting, with a good balance between residual sugars and acidity. A perfect match for almond cookies, biscotti, or flavorful pates. Bodegas Itsasmendi (Basque for “Sea and Mountain”) comprises 35 hectares of vineyards originally planted in 1989. It’s located in the Basque DO of Bizkaiko Txakolina overlooking the Bay of Biscay, not far from the city of Bilbao. Grapes are farmed by a small group of partners who own the extraordinarily beautiful land. -91 Points JS