Raul Perez 2023 La Vizcaina "La Vitoriana" Bierzo (Spain)

97 Points Parker                                                        

A fantastic small-production gem from Spain's Bierzo region - limited.

97 Points Vinous:  "The Raul Perez 2023 La Vitoriana Lomas de Valtuille is a Mencía from the eponymous paraje in Valtuille, sourced from a centenary vineyard. It fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged for up to 11 months in barrel. This is expressive on the nose, with flowers, mint, white pepper and dried blossoms providing aromatic lift. The tannins are fine, the palate is flavorful and the whole-cluster fermentation gives it a compact, tight finish." 

95 Points Robert Parker:  "The 2023 La Vizcaína La Vitoriana is the only red from the Vizcaína range that is not from their own vines, as they buy the grapes, 1.1 hectares in the lower part of the lieu-dit that has sandy soils (the other parts have clay). It's quite linear and with good acidity but ripened thoroughly. There are no white grapes here, only a small percentage of Bastardo, and the vines are 100+ years of age. This is a small lieu-dit in a cooler place in the village, a place that is harvested later. Some 5,000 bottles produced."

Raúl Pérez Pereira is universally considered to be one of the world’s most visionary winemakers. Since he produced his first vintage for his family’s winery in 1994 at the age 22, he has been in the forefront of the conversation about what has been called “The New Spain”. Do yourself a favor and check his wines out today, we highly recommend.