2008 Basa, Rueda Blanco, Telmo Rodriguez

Basa, made by relentlessly innovative Spanish winemaker Telmo Rodriguez, derives its name from red counterpart Baso, itself named after the country's ancient 'baso'(goblet)-shaped bushvines. Basa is from Rueda, source of many of Spain's finest whites, particularly Sauvignon. Telmo fights the corner here for local varieties Viura and Verdejo, conceding just a little Sauvignon for grassy freshness. The succulent result is packed with crisp, clean flavours of yellow plums and white "Incredible tropical character. A