2018 - Gundinas, Raul Perez (Vizcaina), Bierzo

La Gundiñas is the wine that shows the most differences between 2017 and 2018, when the 2018 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas feels like a mini-Bonnes Mares! This happened in 2013, and this 2018 is like a refined version. This vineyard was somewhat irregular in the past, but they bought it in 2018; now that they work the vineyard and have 100% control, it might be more regular. There have been ups and downs with this wine over the years, and this 2018 is clearly one of the ups. The other highlight was 2013. This wine is the palest of the 2018s. It's from a vineyard that perhaps has a bit more white Valenciana grapes. This is super elegant, a rara avis. Bravo! 5,500 bottles were filled in May 2020.

Limpid violet. Highly perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry and cherry scents and a suave floral topnote on the expressive nose. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, showing impressive clarity to the intense red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors, which deepen through the back half. Delivers building florality and spicy thrust on the incisive, gently tannic finish, which leaves behind floral pastille and licorice notes.