Quinta do Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde 2017 (750ML)

2017 Quinta do Ameal Ponte de Lima Loureiro 92+ Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "Zip, zam, zing.and no it is not the beloved Zarate Alabarino, but the return of Portugal's little white treasure - Quinta do Ameal Loureiro. This is another one of those Iberian Pennisula wines that delivers purity of fruit with nice minerality and zip. But there is a lot of yin and yan here. While there is brisk acidity there is good concentration and generous fruit, so with the salinity comes some nice sun-drenched citrus melon and tropical nuances. This tangy wine is about freshness, juiciness and immediate pleasure - despite its ability to age. Best of all - it clocks in at a mere 11.5% alcohol - we are not suggesting you drink the whole bottle, but it is one of these wines that allows for more sips to enjoy. Let the wine breath as it opens up and is absolutely exciting to drink, this is another transporting wines - a true vacation in a glass and summer refreshment. Buyer beware - this is a difficult find and unfortunately we are receiving a mere 30 cases of this perfect summer sipper."

91 Points, Mark Squires, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2017 Loureiro is the winery's classic version-meaning "unoaked." Of course, it is dry and without fizz-which is true for all the winery's wines. It comes in at 11.5% alcohol. This is a rather dense Loureiro that, it seems to me (noting that they are not side by side), has a somewhat different personality than the 2015 or 2016. It just seems a little fruitier. It is a bit less nervy and precise. The concentration is exceptional for this bottling, however, and the tasty fruit lingers on the finish beautifully. If the perceptible balance is perhaps a bit different this year, it still maintains its balance well and has enough acidity. Overall, I think this is going to be just fine. As it sheds the baby fat, the underlying structure may become more obvious. Indeed, it seemed exceptional when retasted the next day. For the moment, let's be a little conservative in both score and drinking windows, but it should age very well-and likely better than anticipated." 10/18