Winemaker Notes
An assemblage from over 200 small, estate parcels throughout the town of Corullon.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The sample of the 2017 Corullón showed a wider side of this village blend, where they have been focusing to get more precision through harvesting every plot the exact day it should be bottled. That's why they sold up to seven hectares of vineyards, the most challenging plots, those at higher altitude and with more challenging ripening conditions, enabling them to achieve an even more precise blend with the remaining grapes. I had a sample from one oak foudre that seemed to amplify the spicy side of the wine, with an herbal twist thrown in. The palate showed much better, with great balance and very fine tannins.
Range: 94-96 -
James Suckling
So expressive on the nose with violets, hibiscus, cloves and cinnamon. A great combination of richness and freshness on the medium-bodied palate, the gentle tannins supporting the long finish beautifully.
Barrel Sample: 93-94 -
Wine Spectator
This firm red features a core of black cherry and red plum flavors, backed by licorice, smoke and subtly bitter herb notes. The light tannins are well-integrated, while the orange peel acidity is fresh and lively. Shows intensity, yet remains graceful, harmonious and long. Drink now through 2027.
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Decanter
Delicately aromatic with brambles, redcurrants and garrigue, and a smoky edge. Bursting with juice in the mouth, it is balanced by a rasp of fine tannin and a brisk lift of acidity. The finish is long and warm. Drinking Window 2017 - 2023
Primarily found in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras regions of Spain and in the Dão of Portugal (where it is called Jaen), Mencia is an early ripening, low acid grape that can produce wines of great concentration, complexity and ageability. And yet Mencia once suffered from a poor reputation and deemed capable of producing simple and light red wines. Post-phylloxera growers would grow this variety on low, fertile plains, which produced high yields and uncomplicated finished wines. Somm Secret—The recent rediscovery of the ancient, abandoned vines planted on rugged hillsides of deep schist has unveiled the potential of Mencia and added discredit to its old reputation.
One of the few northwestern Spanish regions with a focus on a red variety, Bierzo, part of Castilla y León, is home to the flowery and fruity Mencia grape. Mencia produces balanced and bright red wines full of strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, baking spice, pepper and black licorice. The well-drained soils of Bierzo are slate and granite.