Finca la Cuesta Bierzo Mencía

A bit fleshier than previous vintages. The move to less new oak and less time in oak seems focus the wines here a bit, but the house style of nearly opulent dark fruit remains.

Winery: Luna Beberide
Wine: Fina Luna Beberide
Vintage: 2017
Denomination of Origin: Bierzo
Grape: 100% Mencia

This wine has changed names with the 2017 vintage. Former called Finca la Cuesta, this is sourced from the same, estate vineyards on clay and broken slate. The winery has reduced the amount of new oak and time in wood with this vintage lending a fresher fruit character. Good thing as 2017 crop was drastically reduced by frost.
Medium opaque purple. Nose of plums, graphite, a hint of gamy/butcher block. On the palate this is fleshier than previous vintages, with a silky, Merlot-like character. Persistent and concentrated while maintaining a sense of levity.

Intense crushed rock minerality in the nose, along with a hint of machine oil. The fruit is dark and crunchy. It’s very intense and savory in the mouth, though only medium weight. Reminds me a bit of an intense, ripe Loire Cab Franc.

Aromas of berry fruits and herb notes. On the palate dark berry flavors with more herb pepper spice. Rough tannins still carrying the pepper earthy spice to the medium finish. Just ok but for the price look for Petalos, much better wine.

Dried earth, crunchy red and black fruit, purple flowers, and cigar ... stoic but inviting

Beautiful #Mencia #wine. Very dark, opaque with slight purple rim. Oily sheen. Stewed berry nose, some spice, a little meaty. Smooth texture. Became dry over time, to dusty tannin. Beaujoulais-esque. Blackberry, cassis notes. Opened 11/9/17

Lovely violet tinted color. Aromatic nose; black cherry compote, pomegranate, licorice root, floral, oak (sweet wood, baking spice, vanilla). Palate shows more tart cherry/pomegranate, crushed rocks, pepper, smoke, slight bitterness. Fine but m+ tannin, elevated alcohol. Juicy core of fruit followed by a mineral and spice driven finish. Grippy yet elegant. The oak is somewhat overwhelming.

Mencia when done well can be very elegant and complex at the same time. Deep aromas with spices and perfect balance of fruit.

A bit oxidative, with some nice floral aromatics. Medium bodied with a touch of oak and a complementary acid profile. Hoped for a little more, but good for the price.

Wet dirt cherry and crushed rocks. Great acidity.