Zios Albariño
Zios, or “twilight,” is produced from 4 hectares of vineyards. Intense, yet clean fragrances of tropical white fruit fill the nose. Refreshing on the palate with crisp grassy notes, Zios is a well-balanced wine with a rounded mouthfeel and lingering finish marked by a slight, pleasant bitterness. Three months oflees aging is followed by 2 months of bottle aging. Aged on the lees for three months in stainless steel then cellared for 2 months in bottle prior to release, this fresh, young wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif, yet pairs nicely with raw seafood and shellfish. Best within a couple of years of the vintage.
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2014
James Suckling - 93 pts
A minerally and vivid white with sliced apple and lemon aromas and flavors. Full body. Lovely fruit and acidity. Salty. Drink now.
James Suckling - 93 pts
Solid core of fruit here with pear, melon and lemon aromas and flavors. Full body. Fresh finish. Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast - 87 pts
Leesy whiffs of cured ham and salami are common, and this folds in grassiness and stone-fruit aromas as well. …tastes mostly of orange and tangerine, while mango and nectarine notes pop up on the finish.
2013
Wine Enthusiast
Peach, melon and acacia aromas are friendly. Fresh but lemony on the palate. Flavors of nectarine, lemon-lime and pineapple finish snappy and with lasting acidity.
2012
Decanter - Bronze Medal
Zesty aromas of citrus fruits with hints of pear drops and baked apple. Creamy and smooth with a dollop of banana yogurt – poised with a moderate finish.
Wine Enthusiast - 88 pts
Mellow aromas of lees and white flowers shade simple citrus and melon scents. This is juicy and fresh in the mouth, with citrusy acids pushing tangerine and white grapefruit flavors.
Wine Spectator - 90 pts
This firm white shows good density, with pear, almond, ginger, and mineral notes that are fresh and balanced. The savory character suggests this will match well with food, showing the structure to pair with richer dishes. Drink now through 2016.
2011
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - 88 pts
Light yellow-gold. Chalk-accented aromas of lemon, orange pith and green apple, with a subtle floral accent that builds with air. Dry and nervy on entry, then fleshier in the middle, offering silky orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Closes with good cut and length, leaving a gentle herbal note behind.
Wine & Spirits - 91 pts - Best Buy - Year's Best
Fruit skin scents of green apple and prickly pear provide a tight and tangy structure. The sweet orange and pear flavors are rich and smooth, while the texture feels polished. For gambas al ajillo.
Wine Spectator
Pear and apple flavors gain some depth from herbal and toasty notes in this round white. Firm acidity maintains focus through the clean, smoky finish. Drink now.
2009
Wine & Spirits - 88 pts
Ripened to the juicy flavor of kumquats, this has soft vegetal and floral notes. The radish-like finish will match nigiri sushi. –
Wine Advocate - 86 pts
Pazos de Lusco’s entry-level 2009 Zios de Lusco Albarino was fermented and aged sur lie for 3 months. Mineral, lemon zest, floral, and saline notes inform the nose of this restrained, balanced Albarino. It is fairly priced for what it delivers.
Wine Enthusiast - 87 pts
A solid Albarino. Vanilla and apple aromas, while the palate is plump, fresh, melony, and peachy, with softness but no flab. Drink this wine right away (summer sipping).
2008
Publication - 88 pts
An unusually stylized wine, this is broad and toasty, while packing its share of malic acidity and leesiness as well. The flavors of apple, olive brine and lemon are what last. Serve with wood-roasted clams.
2007
Wine & Spirits - 91 pts - Best Buy
Produced in a rich, luscious style that will please chardonnay drinkers as well as albariño freaks, this is concentrated with pale nectarine and peach-like fruit. Hints of vanilla, butter and lees add to the wine’s plump profile. For lobster or langoustines.