Raul Perez Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021

An ethereal, old-vine Spanish red wine crafted under the guidance of Raúl Pérez at his family estate. Made from century-old vines, this Mencía-dominant blend reveals elegant layers of dark cherry, crushed violets, wild herbs, and an intense, earthy mineral finish.

Food Pairing: This deeply complex and elegant red pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb, wild boar ragout, or fire-grilled ribeye steak.

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.