Telmo Rodriguez has really nailed this 2014 vintage of mencía from the northwestern corner of Spain (next door to relatively better-known Bierzo for the same variety). It's marvellously pure and fresh, pomegranate, cherry and raspberry scented, with just a touch of smoky-vanilla wood spice and suave supple texture. I could see this appealing to fans of, say, Sonoma County pinot noir, given its ripe red and blue fruit flavours, creamy texture and evident polish, which puts this at the upper end of the value spectrum in the context. Depth and length are far superior to the mean. Classy, and above all, highly drinkable, especially with a light chill. An ideal restaurant selection.
Jonh Szabo, September 2016