Bodegas Angel Rodríquez/Martínsancho, Rueda (Castilla y León, Spain) Verdejo “Martínsancho” 2010

($18, Classical Wines from Spain):  Angel Rodríquez is credited with saving the Verdejo grape from extinction by refusing to replace it in the 1970s with more prolific varieties, such as Viura and Palomino, in his Martínsancho vineyard.  I, like so many others, would like to thank him.  The 2010 Martínsancho shows a glorious combination of subtle herbal notes intertwined with a hint of creaminess.  More mineraly than fruity, it has a rich texture without being heavy.  A vibrant citrus finish magnifies its complexity.  This is benchmark Rueda. 92 Michael Apstein Jul 3, 2012