Synopsis, Our Opinion: A very special Spanish wine that leaves almost all the others in the shadows.
Producer/Winery: Jose Antonio Garcia; Valtuille de Abajo, Spain
Grape Variety: Mencia.
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Bierzo, Spain.
Vintage: 2015
Price: $16.20 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Lamb meatballs with Madeira sauce, basmati rice and mixed grilled squash from the garden.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Very dark, but clear, brownish maroon color with a slightly lighter rim. STRONG, SIGNIFICANT, barnyard and dark fruit aromas that dominated from the first sip to the last. Smooth entry, intense, juicy, spicy, dry, medium-full body with a 150-grit texture. Concentrated ripe cherry, pomegranate, current and mushroom flavors, fresh acidity and abundant grippy tannins that all came together in a long tart and peppery mouth-puckering finish that ended with the taste of thyme. STOP…that really doesn’t do justice to this wine. This was tempestuous, hearty and condensed tasting wine and there was tension in every drop!!! With that said it was also VERY approachable at the same time. This may be the BIGGEST BARGAIN wine we have had in a long time. Every sip was an enticement for the next one. Super paired with the lamb meatballs and Madeira sauce and if you like robust wines this is a very special Spanish wine that leaves almost all the others in the shadows.
Photo from De Vino en Vino.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: 6 64841 10150 2
Imported by: De Maison Selections; Chapel Hill, North Carolina.