Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2009, Bierzo, Spain

This wine is made with the lesser known Mencia grape, which is mostly grown in Portugal and Spain. The nose on this wine was very different. It would make for an interesting wine in a blind tasting with aromas of wild berry, strawberry, minerals, mushrooms, tobacco leaves and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied but even with alcohol at 15%/ A well balanced wine with rich red fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish with spicy red fruit flavours, smoky notes and fine tannins lingering. A very interesting wine to be sure, but it works. Score 90 points.

Purchased January 21, 2012 LCBO New Release at $22.95

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2008, Bierzo, Spain

The fruit used to make this wine is the Mencia grape from three old vines parcels, aged between 60-100 years old. The nose opened up with fresh fruit; plums, raspberries, black cherries and licorice. The palate was sweet with balance acidity and soft tannins. The finish, medium length, with flavours of raisins, smoke and minerals. An easy drinking wine, doesn’t have great complexity, but it is delicious and fun to drink.

This wine was purchased September 18, 2010 LCBO New Release at $21.95