2005 Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Brut Nature

The flagship line of the Bodega is called Kripta. The Kripta 2005 Brut Nature is beautifully refined and elegant, a veritable Catherine Deneuve of sparkling wine. It is still tightly knit and will benefit from a few more years of bottle age. I was also shown Kripta from 2003, 2000, 1993, and 1985 disgorged one week before my visit. The Kripta 1993 Brut Nature is the finest Cava I have ever tasted, caught right at its peak, a sparkling wine complete in every way. Agusti Torello Mata has a reputation as one of Spain’s foremost Cava producers and my visit in January 2011 did nothing to disprove it. The stated goal is “to make Cava with soul” working with only the traditional grapes. All of the fruit utilized is at least 30 years of age. Approximately 20% of the production is exported to a total of 31 countries. Importer: Casa Ventura Imports, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303 1760

The flagship 2005 Kripta Gran Reserva Brut Nature displays a splendid, already complex bouquet of mineral, baking spices, brioche, spring flowers, and green apple. Crisp, dry, vibrant, and full-flavored, it may evolve for a few years but there is no reason to delay gratification. It compares favorably with many of the top vintage Champagnes. Agusti Torello Mata is one of Spain’s finest Cava producers. Only 20% of the estate’s production is exported; they are all vintage dated and carry the disgorgement date on the back label. Importer: Casa Ventura, Bellingham, WA; www.casaventuraimports.com