El Rapolao, La Vizcaina de Vinos, Bierzo
    Raúl Pérez

    El Rapolao, La Vizcaina de Vinos, Bierzo, 2018

    95/100
    Vinous
    Available Vintages
    portfolio
    1. 2018

      1.5L

      DP

      £53.58

    2. 2018

      3x1.5L

      DP

      £160.73

    Justerini & Brooks Tasting note

    The cooler profile of the 2018 vintage is perhaps most obviously felt in El Rapolao, one of the undisputed "Grand Crus" in Valtuille de Abajo. The tannins have a linear, crisp feel to them and the fruit an edgy freshness that speaks of violet, blueberries, herbal hedgerow fruit and a leafy, brambly quality. Very long and persistent on the palate, gradually El Rapolao starts to display more of the ethereality that it is renowned for with time in the glass. At this stage, it comes across as the most intellectual of the four reds; one that is complex, flowing and energetic, but with a certain hidden poise and seriousness that will see it age beautifully. Always a standout, Raul believes it to be a truly special site, and as such, produces multiple El Rapolao bottlings, each with its own character, in order to emphasise the diversity and significance of the vineyard. A steep north to west exposed hill, the La Vizcaina El Rapolao bottling comes from two plots, one mid-slope and one in the lower part, together averaging 550m of elevation, and comprising a total of 1.5HA. The older parcel in the mid-slope was planted in the 1920s on hard clay and stony soils and the younger, lower plot in the 1980s on clay with more organic material in the topsoil. The blend meets salinity and perfume with silkiness and style. Whole bunch fermented in wood and kept on the skins for 30-45 days before 12 months aging in purely neutral 500L French casks.

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    Critic Reviews

    95/100
    Josh Raynolds,
    Vinous
    Vivid ruby-red. A highly expressive, complex bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, exotic spices, potpourri, and candied licorice. Palate-staining, appealingly sweet black raspberry, mulberry, cherry cola and floral pastille flavors show fine definition and a bracing core of smoky minerality. Displays outstanding tenacity on the youthfully tannic finish, which echoes the blue fruit, floral and spice notes.
    drinking window 2024 - 2032
    date of review 06/2021

    product details

    Specifications

    Country:
    Spain
    Appellation:
    Bierzo
    Producer:
    Raúl Pérez
    style:
    Red Wine
    Grape Variety:
    Mencia
    abv:
    13.5%

    allergen information

    This product may contain sulphites. Full allergen information is available upon request, please call our Customer Relations Team on +44 (0)20 7484 6430.