Raul Perez Castro Ventosa 'Valtuille' Cepas Centenarias 2021

Raúl Pérez Castro Ventosa 'Valtuille' Cepas Centenarias 2021 is an ethereal, old-vine Spanish red wine crafted under the guidance of master winemaker Raúl Pérez at his family's historic estate in Bierzo. Sourced from century-old vines planted in the clay-and-sand soils of the "Mata los Pardos" parcel in Valtuille de Abajo, this Mencía-dominant field blend undergoes fermentation with 30% whole clusters in large wooden vats followed by 12 months of maturation in used French oak barrels. In the glass, it reveals a bright ruby hue accompanied by an expressive bouquet of dark cherries, crushed violets, wild herbs, and flinty mineral undertones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, complex, and extraordinarily elegant, featuring silky, delicate tannins and a long, savory, earth-tinged finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with slow-roasted leg of lamb, wild boar ragù, fire-grilled ribeye steak, roasted duck breast, and aged Spanish sheep's milk cheeses.

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.