91+ 2005 Luna Beberide Finca la Cuesta (Bierzo) 3/10/12 ($22)
100% Mencia 14% alc
Color: Deepblack raspberry to black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Excellent minerality, wet leaves and gray clay complement black cherry fruit. Smells something like an outstanding Santenay with richness, elegance and complexity. (3.5) Body: Excellent acidity, minerality and fruit, nicely balanced. Solid middleweight with concentration. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as expressive at this point, showing some chalky tartness. (3.0) Finish: Parallels bouquet with complexity turning on and lingering with beef broth nuances. (3.5)
Overall: Outstanding complexity and excellent tart black raspberry and black cherry fruit. Very Burgundian. Showing signs of maturity, but still on the early side of peak. Could improve in the next two years if the chalky acidity calms a little more. Great value. (16.0)
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