Community Tasting Note

forceberry wrote:

Friday, July 6, 2012 - Deep and dark Burgundy red with faint purple overtones. Initially very stuffy nose, probably a bit too much sulphites; after an aeration of an hour the nose has cleared up and shows a charming, perfumed bouquet of sweet violet florals, figs, lingonberries, sun-baked earth, some sweet blueberries, a little lemony fruit and a hint of rustic spice - overall something not unlike a ripe Pinot Noir. Dry and structured in the mouth with only the slightest touch of ripe, figgy sweetness in the tip of the tongue. Fresh and slightly meaty palate with flavors of red berries, leather, peppery spice and a hint of cherry. Chewy, full-bodied mouthfeel but at the same time very lively and fresh, due to quite pronounced acidity. A hint of chocolate oak underneath, keeping away from obfuscating the dark-toned fruit. Mid-length finish with flavors of peppery spice, dried herbs, leather, some minerals and a hint of alcohol warmth.

Impressive and nicely balanced Bierzo Mencía; a little like a steroid-pumped Pinot Noir! Shares some characteristics of a good Burgundy Pinot Noir, including nice, refreshing acidity, but is definitely a lot bigger and riper fruit-wise. Though there is some oak there for sure, it is kept in check and the fruit is in the fore. This is a robust and intense modern Spanish red with some class and elegance. I think the bottle was opened a bit too early at under 2 years of age, meaning that this is definitely a wine meant to be cellared. Not for decades, but certainly for some years. A wonderful buy at 14,98€.

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