III Lustros Brut Nature 2013, Gramona

Intense, with fabulous tension between distinct maturity and youthful freshness. Aromas of baked apple, ripe pear, lemon and grapefruit zest, then dried flowers and herbs: fennel and rosemary. The exceptionally long ageing of 94 months prior to release has brought about decadent, complex notes of hazelnut, pastry, toast, brioche and toffee. This is a top-notch fine sparkling wine that becomes increasingly expressive as it opens up in the glass. With immediately evident concentration and a superbly-fine, creamy mousse of vanishingly tiny bubbles, it shows candied fruit, complex, mature flavours, and yet retails a refreshingly lively finish.