Winemaker Notes
The Cadre Albariño is a true expression of where land meets sea. On the nose, it reveals spicy citrus and salty zest, complemented by seductive notes of orange blossom and jasmine, along with what I like to call Hawaiian breakfast fruits. The influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean is evident, with briny notes that speak to the sea. White flower notes are present, but an exotic mix of citrus and tropical fruit takes center stage.
On the palate, this wine is full of tang and energy. This Albariño never lacks acidity—in fact, managing that high acidity is one of their biggest challenges, yet also their greatest gift. There is a rich assembly of citrus, white fruits, stone fruits, and lush tropicals, all balanced by bright acidity from start to finish. A lingering freshness and minerality cement Albariño as the true queen of the sea. The wines from here are noted for their vibrant acidity, rich minerality, and robust citrus flavors, all underpinned by the area's hallmark salinity
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Rounded aromas of tangerine, cantaloupe and wet rocks are very engaging on the nose of this bottling. The palate is more lively with citrus, melon and green-apple Jolly Rancher flavors, yet it remains very dry and tart.
Bright and aromatic with distinctive floral and fruity characteristics, Albariño has enjoyed a surge in popularity and an increase in plantings over the last couple of decades. Thick skins allow it to withstand the humid conditions of its homeland, Rías Baixas, Spain, free of malady, and produce a weighty but fresh white. Somm Secret—Albariño claims dual citizenship in Spain and Portugal. Under the name Alvarinho, it thrives in Portugal’s northwestern Vinho Verde region, which predictably, borders part of Spain’s Rías Baixas.
California’s coolest wine growing area, Edna Valley excels in the production of high quality Central Coast wines like Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Rhône Blends and aromatic white wines. It has a cool Mediterranean climate and an incredibly long growing season, giving late-ripening varieties plenty of opportunity to develop great phenolic complexity.
Its northwest to southeast orientation creates a direct path for cool Pacific air and fog to penetrate the valley from the Los Osos and Morro Bay area inwards. Low hillsides of both calcareous and volcanic soils are home to much of the vineyard acreage of the Edna Valley.