Cesar Marquez - Bierzo 'Parajes del Bierzo' Mencia - 2022

The 2022 Parajes is the regional red representing El Bierzo, and it's a blend of different places, soils and expositions, from vines at digerent altitudes, between 450 and 780 meters above sea level. He used less full clusters, as he uses less stems in warmer years, with some 15% this time; part was in stainless steel and part in bins, as he ferments by plot. The wine matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels for one year. It's super fine and elegant, fresh and balanced, with moderate ripeness and 13.3% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 4.76 grams of acidity. It's medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and great balance. The tannins are round and fine-grained, and the mouthfeel is juicy and tender, reflecting the warmer year. But there's no heat in any of the wines from the year. 93+ Points Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate