The Ebano Estate
Over the past few years Adegas Valminor (D.O. Rías Baixas) has been putting together a D.O. Ribera del Duero, initiative which began with the acquisition of prime vineyards in the area around Quintana del Pidio and Gumiel del Mercado. After extensive work on the vineyards and the construction of the necessary facilities, the first Ebano (crianza 2001) was produced. In Spanish, the word ébano means ebony, the hard black wood used in making musical instruments such as clarinets. The name evokes the deep dark color of the wine.
The Ebano Vineyards
The holdings amount to a total of 43 hectares (106 acres), separated in 7 different parcels. The vines are 100% Tempranillo. The older plantings (23 years) are pruned in the traditional goblet or head-trained fashion. Later plantings are trained on wires and are some 15 years old. The soils in the area are generally a mix of sand/gravel and clay/limestone.
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A deep and rich hue of golden straw gives the first clue that this is a serious Chardonnay. Aromas of pear, green apple, and lime peel jump out of the glass followed by more nuanced fragrances of orange blossom, ginger root, and brioche. The sensation on the palate casually demonstrates both broad depth and laser like focus. An assertive core of acid and saline minerality rests completely ensconced in rich flavors of pie crust, clotted cream, and burnt caramel. Drink now for fresh vibrance, or in ten years for wild complexity. This wine is a perfect white to be enjoyed year-round.
Review:
The 2021 MFN Blanc Chardonnay is very ripe in style with scents of banana chip, apple pie, jasmine, allspice and brown sugar. The full-bodied palate is packed with ripe, spicy fruits and plenty of refreshing acidity, and it finishes long with a satiny, mouth-coating texture. It's an old-school style reminiscent of Napa that fans of ripe, oaked Chardonnays will enjoy.
-Robert Parker 97 Points
Guillemot-Michel Vire Clesse is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Beautifully expressive, with yellow fruits, orange blossom, smoke & flint. Thick and saline on entry, then seriously deep in the mid-palate, with suggestions of exotic fruits perfectly countered by strong minerality. This wine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and salty elements, and it shows vibrant acidity. It boasts a thickness that few other northern Mâconnais can match.
Enjoy with fish (such as sole meuniere), seafood, roasted chicken, goat cheese.