93 2006 Luna Beberide Art (Bierzo) 12/4/15 ($50)
100% Mencia 14% alc
Color: Dense ruby garnet. No browning to speak of and no clearing. Impressive for nine. (3.5) Bouquet: Concentrated sweet black cherry, aromatic black grape and papaya with subtle Indian spices. (3.5) Body: Outstanding fruit, excellent acidity and smooth tannins. A heavyweight with a slightly tannic, but full mouthfeel that coats. (3.5) Flavor: Delicious, but not quite as expressive or aromatic as the bouquet. (3.0) Finish: Long, interesting and delicious like the bouquet. (3.5)
Overall: Big, rich, concentrated Mencia with outstanding structure. A heavyweight with lots of smooth tannins and excellent acidity. Musky old vines, cedar, lavender and flowery nuances complement sweet black grape and black cherry fruit with a little papaya thrown in. Probably at its best now, but should remain this good for a few more years. One of the best Mencia I've tasted. (17.0)
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