Nelin 2023

The wine's story:

Nelin is Clos Mogador's white wine, first made in 2000. The grapes come from four plots totalling 6 hectares, on terraces at 350–500 metres on llicorella slate. The blend is based on Garnatxa blanca and Macabeu, with several local varieties added. 8,400 bottles were made in 2023; Wine Advocate scored the wine 96+ and Jeb Dunnuck 96 points.

René Barbier founded the Clos Mogador winery in Gratallops in 1979; the wines are made, aged and bottled on the estate. The winemaking is led by René Barbier Meyer.

Winemaking:

The blend is based on Garnatxa blanca and Macabeu, with varieties the producer names Pansal, Picapoll blanc, Cartoixà, Trepat blanc, Carinyena blanca, Pedro Ximénez and Escanyavelles. The wine ferments with native yeasts in oak barrels and large oak vats. It then ages for 12 months in 1,200-litre oak vats and 6 months in steel tanks; the 2023 was bottled in March 2025.

Tasting notes:

A dry, full white with a saline finish. Wine Advocate considers Nelin 2023 an embodiment of the Mediterranean white-wine style: lots of aromatic herbs and crushed stones, ripe but fresh, powerful and balanced, with a salty, slightly bitter finish. Jeb Dunnuck notes deep floral aromatics, a sultry texture and pronounced minerality.

Food pairing:

Scallops seared in butter – the wine's body and fresh acidity complement the delicate sweetness of scallops. Baked fish with beurre blanc; roast chicken; aged Comté.

Ageing potential:

Jeb Dunnuck estimates an ageing potential of about 10–12 years from his 2025 review.

Ratings & accolades:

Wine Advocate – 96+/100 (2023)

Jeb Dunnuck – 96/100 (2023)