Magnum Unculin - Mencia

Mencia | 60-100 jaar oude stokken in Valtuille de Abajo | 30% whole bunch fermentation en de rest is destemmed | vergisting en rijping op staal tank | zacht | rijp fruit | heel puur en verfijnd | aards | vol | alleen op magnum leverbaar

The fruit-driven, juicy and expressive red 2017 Unculín is pure Mencía from very old vines produced in a light and refreshing style to make it easy to drink. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and had a total maceration time of some 30 days. It matured in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak foudres for six months. It's clean and reminiscent of a northern Rhône Syrah, with floral, earthy and smoked meat aromas. The palate is round and lush, with fine tannins, very tasty flavors and good balance and freshness. Delicious! 40,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2018.

I encountered a bottle of 2016 when I was in Bierzo, and I was impressed; it was light years ahead of what I had tasted a couple of years before. I later bumped into José Antonio in Valtuille, where he has his winery, but I didn't really have time to taste then. He finally sent me samples, and I tasted them at Christmas time at home, and I'm glad I did, as the wines have seen a great improvement since I last tasted them. Luis Guitierrez 90/100