The 2012 Gaba do Xil Godello is fermented in stainless steel, shows a light yellow color, with notes of apricot, white peach, good acidity and a succulent, supple finish. Freshly cut grass and a balsamic feeling, with a very strong bay leaf note. It has a pleasant bitter finish. It grows in the glass. A very pleasant straight, round and soft wine, easy to drink. 80,000 bottles produced. Drink 2013-2015. Telmo Rodriguez should need no introduction at this point in time. His modus operandi in a new region is to team up with some local vigneron or wine producer, start making a simple, affordable wine and take some time to really understand the region and its wines. Once he has done that, he starts searching for exceptional vineyards that would allow him to make a great wine from the appellation. In some places this process is faster, while in others it might take some more time. He’s been making wine in Valdeorras since 2003. He started with a white from Godello and a few years later he added a red which sold under the same brand, Gaba do Xil. With the 2010 vintage he’s surprising us with a single-vineyard red when most people in Valdeorras focus on whites. Importer: Vintus Wines, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000.