Bierzo Tinto, 'Las Gundiñas'

Score

95

"La Gundiñas is the wine that shows the most differences between 2017 and 2018, when the 2018 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas feels like a mini-Bonnes Mares! This happened in 2013, and this 2018 is like a refined version. This vineyard was somewhat irregular in the past, but they bought it in 2018; now that they work the vineyard and have 100% control, it might be more regular. There have been ups and downs with this wine over the years, and this 2018 is clearly one of the ups. The other highlight was 2013. This wine is the palest of the 2018s. It's from a vineyard that perhaps has a bit more white Valenciana grapes. This is super elegant, a rara avis. Bravo! 5,500 bottles were filled in May 2020."

Score

91

"From a rare, flat, southeast-facing vineyard site with deep soils, on the edge of the Camino de Santiago. ‘It’s very consistent, and can be fresh in hot years without producing raisined fruits,’ says Perez. The Mencia field blend is 100% whole-bunch fermented with a 90-day maceration, followed by a year in used oak. The palate is brisk, with ripe blackcurrant and a lively acidity, counterpointed by a saline note and a firm rasp of tannin. Overall it's dense and dark-hearted, more rustic in style."