El Rapolao is a widely renowned higher-altitude,cooler-exposition cru whose 7 hectares are now farmed by over 30 owners • The vines used for this bottling were planted in the 1970s on red clay and alluvial stones • (Nearly) 100% Mencía, somewhat unusually for Raúl! • Fermented with whole clusters in oak vat with long post-fermentation maceration • raised one year in used 225L and 500L barrels • unfined and unfiltered
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2021
Country:
Spain
Region:
Castilla Y Leon
Appellation:
Bierzo
Variety:
Mencia-based blend
Color:
Red
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ES-VIZ-20-21 | 6/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
John Gilman
Score
93
Date
2024-05-14
"As I mentioned last year, the El Rapolao vineyard is not quite as old on average as the La Poulosa vineyard, as half of El Rapolao was replanted in 1980. However, the older half of the vineyard dates back to 1920! It is the same classic Bierzo field blend of Menc¡a with Alicante Bouschet (Garnacha Tintorera) and Trousseau (Bastardo) co-planted in both sections. The wine is fermented with one hundred percent whole clusters and raised in a combination of older Burgundy barrels and demi-muids for one year, prior to bottling without fining or filtration. The 2021 El Rapolao is a touch reductive when first opened, but with a bit of air, offers up a deep and complex nose of dark berries, tree bark, smoked meats, dark soil tones, coffee grounds, a lovely array of botanicals, youthful stem tones and a topnote of distant bonfire. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and nicely tangy, with excellent mid-palate depth and soil signature, ripe tannins and fine length and grip on the beautifully balanced, youthful finish. This will demand some time in the cellar to properly blossom, but will be excellent juice once it is ready to drink. 2032-3075."
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2023-08-10
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
2024-08-31
"High toned and floral, with accents of tea rose, violet and sage, plus a well-spiced range of warmed cherry and raspberry coulis, singed orange peel, graphite and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, offering fresh acidity, with chalky tannins lending a bit more weight and definition through the finish. Decant. Best from 2026 through 2031. 625 cases made, 350 cases imported."