Raul Pérez

Castro Ventosa Bierzo Mencia 2023

8.9

From the master, Raul Perez with fruit sourced from his family estate, the Joven (rabbit label) is predominately Mencia from 40-60 year old vines and aged in INOX.

Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2023 pours a deep purple color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of blackberries, Montmorency cherry, horse blanket, purple flowers, licorice, and crushed rock. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Charming, rustic stuff. Drink now through 2030. — 2 months ago

Somm, Andrew and 6 others liked this

Àlvaro Castro

Pelada Dão Touriga Nacional 2018

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Nose is classic Touriga National violets, cherry liqueur, and earthy crushed stone. Soft and mouthfilling, it’s intensely minerally on the palate, with enough dark cherry extract fruit to keep it from being too one-dimensional. Tannins are super-soft, and there is abundant acidity.

UPDATE. A few hours later interesting notes of cinnamon are emerging. — 2 years ago

Brian, Austin and 12 others liked this

Austin Hohnke

Just tasted this with Olé & Obrigado in NYC last week. Beautiful wine. The Carrocel is also not to be missed.

Bodegas y Viñedos Castro Ventosa

El Castro de Valtuille Bierzo Mencía 2015

Nicolas Duchesneau

8.9

Bon vin de semaine! L’élevage est encore un peu trop présent pour se mériter un 9/10. — 6 years ago

Francis le and Benoit liked this

Regio Cantina

Donpà Aglianico del Vulture 2018

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark ruby color with a thin garnet meniscus. Aromas of hot asphalt, dark berry fruit and violets. Flavors of sour black berry/cherry, balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate and toasted baking spices. Medium-plus finish and chewy tannins. Full bodied with bright acidity. Quite bold and savory. — 2 months ago

Paul, Tom and 1 other liked this

Àlvaro Castro

DAC Dão Red Blend 2019

Jess

9.0

Deep ruby color.
Aromas of baked red fruit, baking spice.
Dry. Flavors of ripe raspberry, cherry, cinnamon, anise, candied red berry finish. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 5/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 5/5
Finish: 5/5 — 10 months ago