Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’ 2009, Bierzo
$22.95
Vintages No. 675207
Available Saturday, January 21
About:
Alvaro Palacios built his legend on the stunning wines he has crafted from the farthest reaches of Spain, from Priorat to Bierzo. Palacios’ latest project features another rising star — the obscure Mencía grape. In the Bierzo appellation, perched in the Northwest corner of Spain, ancient Mencía vineyards emerge from the steepest of hillsides, their roots deeply set into unique, mineral-laden soils. Under the skilled hands of Palacios and his nephew, Ricardo Perez Palacios, the forgotten black grape (believed by some to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc), has achieved new heights. The 60- to 100 year-old vines yield less than one ton per acre, resulting in a most concentrated, unique expression of this variety and of the Bierzo terroir.
The Wine:
The vineyards used in Petalos are rented vineyards in and around the village of Corullon. All the vineyards are from schist based soils with vines ranging in age from 40 – 90 years old. Ricardo Perez implements organic and biodynamic practices. All wine making is done biodynamically. The wines are fermented in large oak fermentors with punch down. Maceration for about 25 days. No fining or filtering. Production: 25,000 cases 2009 is considered by Ricardo to be one of the best vintages they have ever produced. The wine is still floral with lots of berries on the nose, but deeper and more concentrated on the palate than 2008.
Accolades:
#26 on Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2011 “This polished red shows density and harmony, with complex, well-integrated flavors of mineral, wild berry, fresh herbs and smoke. Not showy, but has character. Drink now through 2018.” 93 points, Wine Spectator
“This rudimentary winery crammed into an old stone building on a side street of a town in remote Bierzo is making some of Spain’s most exciting wine – all biodynamically produced from impossibly steep vineyards. The grape here is mencia, a local specialty in this burgeoning region. Petalos is the entry level of an amazing range. It is not flashy but there is a lovely sense of purity and tenderness, with blackberry, plum, herbs and fine oak sweetness. Love the texture, complexity, poise and depth, with some chalky tannin suggesting another year or two in bottle. The length is excellent. At just over $20, don’t miss it.” 91 points. David Lawrason, WineAlign.com
“Another fine rendition of the entry-level mencía from Palacios, blended from growers situated throughout the geographical bowl that is the Bierzo DO. The palate offers suave, delicate, fresh and vibrant black berry/raspberry flavours, with a notable dose of slate-y, schistous minerality and firm, fresh acids. Lingering finish, with barely detectable wood influence. All class and finesse, a fine direction for Spanish wine in general.” 90 points. John Szabo, WineAlign.com
“The new releases (all 100% Mencia) include the entry-level 2009 Petalos del Bierzo sourced mainly from leased vineyards with vine age ranging from 40-90 years. It was aged for a few weeks in new French barriques followed by 6-10 months in seasoned barrels. It shows lovely density and purity in an up-front style. Dark black cherries, violets, and Asian spices perch on a medium-bodied frame with well integrated oak and an elegant personality. With excellent volume and length, it is a classy introduction to what can be achieved in the DO of Bierzo” 90 points, The Wine Advocate
“Undeniably stylish, this modern wine from the edgy Bierzo appellation exhibits tremendous appeal and great sensuality. Perfumed and plummy but interwoven with some gracefully evolved character makes this wine both complex and intriguing.” Sara D’Amato, Wine Align.com