Jesús Barquín | Deep, almost opaque cherry. Initially tight nose, with spice and fruit notes that gradually open in the glass and give way to aromas of dry flowers. It grows further on the palate, which is well structured and balanced, with a hint of paprika. The finish is long and complex, resembling a Loire red from a good year. | 94

Andrew Jefford | Deep, opaque red-black. There’s a distinctive Bierzo scent that quite a lot of these wines have, and this one does as well—a sort of earthy, savory quality that is close to reduction but that I am thinking may not actually be reduction and may instead be related to the region’s distinctive soils. This has some black-fruit perfumes, too; and with time a kind of floral note emerges. Gutsy, lively: lots of fresh, wet-stone acidity here, and lots of tannin, with a “mineral” cast to those tannins, as one might imagine a paste of slate. Moderate concentration; no palpable oak; fine drinking qualities; and above all, totally unique and very Bierzo. The more time I spend with this wine, the more I like it. | 92

Richard Mayson | Deep, opaque, youthful; ripe blackberry fruit aromas withatouch of hedgerow; well- defined berry fruit backed by firm, gripping tannins, something just a touch casky and rustic underlying, and a firm, fresh finish. | 84