Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021

Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021 is a benchmark old-vine Spanish red crafted by master winemaker Raúl Pérez at his family's historic estate, Bodegas Castro Ventosa. Sourced exclusively from centenary vines planted in sandy soils on a single vineyard plot named Mata Los Pardos in Valtuille de Abajo, this 100% Mencía showcases extraordinary elegance, purity, and complexity. On the nose, it displays delicate aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry, crushed violet petals, and freshly ground pepper, accompanied by an undercurrent of wet slate and rustic forest floor. The palate is silky, linear, and finely chiseled, offering vibrant natural acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a long, savory, mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs superbly with roasted leg of lamb, grilled duck breast, wild mushroom ragù, slow-cooked pork belly, or aged Manchego cheese.

97 Points - James Suckling

This is earthy with notes of violets and roses and hints of dark cherries. Medium-bodied and super elegant, with silky, delicate tannins and an ethereal finish. This is made from the Matalospardos parcel. A blend of mostly mencia with about 5% bastardo and 12% white varieties like palomino, treixadura and dona branca. This is fermented with 30% full clusters in 5,000-liter oak vat, then aged for 12 months in used French oak barrels. Drink now or hold.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The old-vine cuvée 2021 Valtuille Cepas Centenarias was their first grand vin in 1999, but in 2021 it comes from a single vineyard in Mata Los Pardos on clay and sandy soils planted with the usual Mencía field blend of the older vineyards. It fermented with 30% full clusters and indigenous yeasts in oak vat with a 60-day maceration and matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels for one year. It has a moderate 12.52% alcohol and balanced acidity. This is really complex and harmonious, a little more austere than Villegas or Rapolao, perhaps a little more rustic, with an earthy touch. 4,100 bottles and 36 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2023.