Telmo Rodriguez 'Gaba do Xil' Mencia 2019
After devastating frost in 2017 and killer mildew in 2018, the vintage for the red 2019 Gaba do Xil Tinto from Valdeorras was healthier and the crop was good, save for some hail in specific vineyards during the summer. It was a ripe, healthy and balanced year. This is a young, unoaked Mencía with 13.44% alcohol that fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, where it matured for 12 months before bottling. It's intensely aromatic and expressive, varietal and with the wild rusticity of the zone. The palate is medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2022-2024. 91 Points. Luis Guttierez, The Wine Advocate.
D.O. Valdeorras is the eastern-most wine zone in Galicia – travel further east and you end up in the high, continental hills of Bierzo and the ancient kingdom of Leon. The Mencia grape is a native of both the continental province of Leon and the Atlantic-influenced Galicia. This wine itself is highly fragrant and floral with rose petal, pomegranate, blackcurrant and spice aromatics. Mid-weight, delicious and very stylish wine with a smooth gentle grippy finish. Think Pinot Noir meeting Barbera. Great current-drinking from winemaker Telmo Rodriguez. - FWC