~$20US, 100% Mencia, Bierzo, Spain

Deep purple and magenta. Almost thick in it’s aromatics with robust plum, blueberry, black cherry, earthy wet leaves, leather and dried herbs - oregano. Lots of complexity on the nose; echoed on the palate. Medium weight and mercurial - lots of fruit, herbal, and earthy interplay. Anise one moment, curry another, dry smokiness then peppery spice. Perfect fruit ripeness, good acidic lift = richness with vibrancy.

This is real, interesting wine - and so far, the best value wearing the Palacios name that I’ve tasted.

With wines like this in the $20 range, Bierzo a region to watch.

100% Mencia, Bierzo Spain

Captivating aromas; leather mixed herbal qualities (basil/anise) and plums. At this point - it’s about 50/50 fruit/non-fruit on the nose, which is right up my alley…It was unique - but had some Rioja and Chianti-Classico characteristics if I had to pick points of departure.

On the palate - this wine is beautifully medium-bodied and forms a totally clean and resolved structure. Formal, elegant and finessed. Complex and slightly firm - this wine is still young and has another 2-4 years of upside potential. Refreshing, with everything fitting together with lift and energy - The finish recalls rocky soils with mineral-tinged flavors. Fantastic food wine.

Update: I left 1 glass in the bottle, vacuumed it, and come back the next day - the wine evolved a Pinot-like softness and lushness while maintaining the flavor characteristics, elegance and finish stated above.