2023 La Vizcaina El Rapolao Tinto
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Tasting notes
The 2023 La Vizcaína El Rapolao has some citrus freshness (blood orange) that balances the natural rusticity the place gives to the wine. It has abundant, slightly dusty tannins that come from a year with good yields. This is mostly Mencía (with some field blend), and 80% of the grapes come from a vineyard planted in 1974 to 1976, one of the youngest plots in the lieu-dit. Fermentation was with indigenous yeasts and without temperature control. They produced 4,500 bottles in 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 El Rapolao Lomas de Valtuille is a Mencía from a centenary vineyard in Bierzo that is trained from head to trellis. It fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged for up to 11 months in barrel. This is direct, offering pomegranate, cherry, violet, rosehip and a hint of mint that refreshes the bouquet. It is juicy and tense, with fine, slightly dry tannins delivering freshness and energy. The finish is compact and marked by the stem character.