Ribeira Sacra Tinto, 'Lalama'

Score

93

"One of the benchmark reds from Ribeira Sacra is the 2016 Lalama, a blend of Mencía with 10% Brancellao, Mouratón, Sousón and Garnacha Tintorera that is very expressive and fresh in the cooler 2016 vintage. It shows the more floral and pretty face of Mencía (even if it has some 10% other varieties) produced in a very approachable and attractive way that is easy to understand by a wide audience. It has a nice combination of aromas, fruit, herbs, flowers and spices, with judicious oak that gives it a creamy touch. It's nicely textured and has a soft and balanced mouthfeel, fine tannins and balanced acidity. Delicious! 63,325 bottles and 540 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2018."

Score

92

"The nose of the 2015 Lalama reveals a warm and dry year with good ripeness. Yields were also low because they lost some 62% of the grapes to hail, and the wine is concentrated and powerful, quite fruit-driven and expressive, juicy and chewy. It has some spicy and smoky undertones and a dry, long finish. This is a modern and luxurious style of Ribeira Sacra. 65,893 bottles and 596 magnums produced. It was bottled in October 2017."