Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez Ultreia St. Jacques Bierzo 2021

 Raul Perez could be the single most important person in Bierzo. In addition to numerous other accolades, Raúl was named “Winemaker of the Year” by German publication Der Feinschmecker in 2014 and “Best Winemaker in the World” for 2015 by the French  publication Bettane+Desseauve. In the February 2018 Decanter, Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros wrote, “Raúl Pérez is the archetype of the intuitive winemaking genius.” He might not be the person who put Bierzo on the map, but he capitalized it, bolded it, and increased the font size of the name on that map! 

This is his entry level Tinto which, like his single vineyard wines is mainly Mencia sourced from across his holdings. A delicate wine with insane value. Mencia is a delicate varietal, often producing more medium-bodied wines with a unique floral characteristic -- this particular Mencia is no exception to the rule; however, it has more to offer. The bouquet is elegant and long-lasting with notes of blackberries and wildflowers. The palette itself is far more mineral driven than anything else with a subtle finish pertaining to cherries and licorice. Overall a very beautiful wine that overperforms in its 20-dollar price range.

An Entusiastic Wine Guy Selection