2019 - Ultreia Valtuille, Raul Perez, Bierzo

I found more character of the wines from slate soils in the 2019 Ultreia Valtuille, but that is because the percentage of Alicante Bouschet is much higher (from the field blend) due to frost. He also did a very soft vinification and with a shorter maceration. There might be some herbal notes here (boiled vegetables) that remind me of a Cabernet Franc. It has some severe tannins. Unusual. With time in bottle, it might change from an ugly duckling and turn into a swan. A bit of a question mark. There are only 2,500 bottles of this unusual vintage.

Deep, glistening violet. Expansive, spice-tinged black raspberry, cherry cola, licorice and potpourri aromas are complemented by a strong mineral topnote. Youthfully chewy and focused on the palate, offering concentrated yet lively black and blue fruit liqueur, succulent herb and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Finishes with repeating floral and dark fruit character, supple, well-knit tannins and outstanding, mineral- and spice-driven tenacity.