Raul Pérez Ultreia Bierzo Mencia 2016

Ratings on Delectable

Jay Kline Delectable Pro

Before we get into the notes on this wine, let’s get something out of the way first: the labeling on the Ultreia branded wines by Raul Pérez is downright confusing. The entry-level is designated “Saint Jacques” (which is a fabulous wine and incredible QPR)…and then comes this plain label “Ultreia” before you step up to the other designations of “Valtuille”, “La Claudina”, etc which are higher-end??. It’s really tough to understand the hierarchy. The good news? It really doesn’t matter when all the wines are really quite stunning. And this bottle is absolutely representative of Señior Pérez's impeccable style. Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Best on Day 2. On the nose, blue berries, dark cherries, brambles, exotic spices…giving way to spiced lamb after a lot of air, roses, incense, and underbrush. On the palate, red fruit which transitions to more of a darker fruit profile after Day 2, with some mushrooms, deli meat and minerals. Really sound structure. Medium-plus acid, medium plus tannin. The finish is long and satisfying; tongue smacking. Even at $35, this is a killer deal. What a wine.

Before we get into the notes on this wine, let’s get something out of the way first: the labeling on the Ultreia branded wines by Raul Pérez is downright confusing. The entry-level is designated “Saint Jacques” (which is a fabulous wine and incredible QPR)…and then comes this plain label “Ultreia” before you step up to the other designations of “Valtuille”, “La Claudina”, etc which are higher-end??. It’s really tough to understand the hierarchy. The good news? It really doesn’t matter when all the wines are really quite stunning. And this bottle is absolutely representative of Señior Pérez's impeccable style. Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Best on Day 2. On the nose, blue berries, dark cherries, brambles, exotic spices…giving way to spiced lamb after a lot of air, roses, incense, and underbrush. On the palate, red fruit which transitions to more of a darker fruit profile after Day 2, with some mushrooms, deli meat and minerals. Really sound structure. Medium-plus acid, medium plus tannin. The finish is long and satisfying; tongue smacking. Even at $35, this is a killer deal. What a wine.

9.3

Pooneet K

A very delicious and very juicy Mencia from Bierzo. Green aromas on the nose, but a ton of fruit and earth with soft tannins and great acid lift on the finish. Delicious.

A very delicious and very juicy Mencia from Bierzo. Green aromas on the nose, but a ton of fruit and earth with soft tannins and great acid lift on the finish. Delicious.

9.0

Ebbe Bonde Soerensen

A great new way to make Bierzo even more fruity, dark and delicious, wholecluster at it’s best, Bravo

A great new way to make Bierzo even more fruity, dark and delicious, wholecluster at it’s best, Bravo

9.2

WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.