The young 2012 El Castro de Valtuille Mencia Joven, like all their wines fermented in stainless steel, spends two months in oak vats before being bottled, and needs lots of air. It displays very good concentration of aromas and flavors, showing minerality and elegance. It slowly reveals some licorice notes together with wild herbs and flowers. The palate is dense and ripe, while maintaining the freshness. The two unoaked wines from the winery show very different personalities, which is great. Drink 2013-2018. Castro Ventosa is the family winery of Raul Perez in the village of Valtuille de Abajo. He was fully dedicated to his own projects between 2003 and 2010, but since then he has returned home and is there again working with his young nephews, continuing with the viticulture tradition of the family, documented since 1752. Over generations they have amassed an impressive collection of vineyards that today add up to around 60 hectares, most of them planted with vines that are over 50 years old. Imported by Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (914) 954-6583; www.boutiquewines.info

Black cherry, licorice and light earthy flavors mingle in this lean red, with firm, dry tannins and balsamic acidity. The bright flavors have a slightly sharp edge. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Bierzo Select to Add