Bodegas Martin Codax, "Burgans" Albarino, 2011, Riax Baixas, Spain

Just got back from a perfect happy hour pupu-fest at the lovely Salt Kitchen in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu.  They had a great duo of happy hour wines to choose from including a bright berry-centric Beaujolais and this super fresh, crisp Albarino from Riax Baixas.  There couldn't be a better red or white wine for warm Honolulu evening if you ask me (except maybe a dry rose). The Burgans had a punchy in your face nose of lemon, rock candy, and fancy french soap.  Also, something is on the tip of my tongue.  Oh yeah, it's a shit ton of acid that locked in almost before the wine actually hits my mouth.  This Albarino has a nice medium weight and notes of round watermelon that balance out well with all the dominate bright lemon/lime citrus.  After a while the lemon gets a little too "rindy" and begs for something else I couldn't quite put my finger on to provide some sort of counter-weight.  Still overall this wine kicks ass and paired well with the bar's ridiculously yummy edemame guacamole.  Watch out Salt.  I'll be back!         

Abacela, Albarino Estate Cuvee, 2010, Umpqua Valley

Abacela has been coming on strong for some time as one of the shining stars in the southern Oregon wine scene. They have championed Tempranillo as a varietal that can achieve greatness in the clay soils of the Umpqua Valley and their estate reserve has received substantial national attention. The new tasting room is a little on the fancy side with its flat screen tvs and abstract sculptures, but it still has a nice open feel. They feature a number of tasting flights that highlight the rather large number of varietals they produce from both estate and non-estate grown fruit.

This is an Albarino that I remember loving from past vintages and the 2010 doesn't disappoint. The nose has notes of lime, pineapple, creamsicle cream, and a touch of soapiness. It explodes on the palate with a strong dose of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, green apple, and lychee. The tropical fruit sings through the long finish with little staccato notes of cilantro and other green herbs. This is a light to medium bodied but complex wine. This Albarino certainly falls on the tart (almost sour) end of the spectrum but it softens and mellows nicely as it warms. A bit of nuttiness even begins to show itself. If you are going for a picnic at Benson State Park this summer, I would most definitely bring at least one bottle of this along!