Bierzo Tinto 'Finca el Rapolao'

Score

97

"The nose of the 2021 Dominio de Anza Finca El Rapolao is truly spectacular, aromatic and floral but with much more depth and complexity than the other wine here. It was selected from 0.49 hectares of very old vines on very red soils and fermented with 100% clusters (something unusual), separating three parts of the vineyard in different vats and maturing them in 500-liter oak barrels, and it was blended before bottling. It has freshness, more red fruit, aromatic herbs and a spicy twist. It's medium-bodied, with moderate ripeness and alcohol (13.5%) and a seamless sensation on the palate, beautifully textured with very fine tannins. It's a very complete wine. 1,900 bottles were filled in August 2023."

Score

95

"A really lovely Bierzo that's fluid yet firm and serious, and extremely drinkable. Wild berries, Morello cherries, white pepper, dried herbs and a touch of iodine. Some whole bunches? Sappy and full-bodied thanks to the intensity of fruit and the structure, which is built from stacks of stony, assertive tannins. Long, really succulent and tight-grained. Needs two more years to come around."

Score

93

"The 2022 Finca el Rapolao comprises 90% Menc¡a blended with 10% Garnacha Tintorera, Bastardo and Do¤a Blanca, sourced from Valtuille de Abajo in Bierzo. Fermented with 20% whole clusters and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, this wine exhibits a deep purple-garnet hue and unfolds enticing aromas of elderberry and blackberry, complemented by an herbal core. On the palate, it is dry, taut and fairly compact, with clay-like tannins that impart energy, leading to a lingering, intense finish. The Finca ell Rapolao offers a captivating contrast between its rich black fruit aroma and its light, refreshing mouthfeel."

Score

96

"The 2022 Dominio de Anza Finca El Rapolao fermented in three separate parts, as he harvested (earlier) over three different times. He only used an average of 20% full clusters (but different percentages depending on the different zones of the vineyard. It has a moderate 12.8% alcohol and a sensation of harmony, elegance and freshness on the palate that is remarkable for the very warm year. In this warm vintage, he aged the wine in three 500-liter barrels for a little under one year. It has very fine, chalky tannins. 1,930 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2023."