88 2007 Castro Ventosa El Castro de Valtuille Joven (Bierzo) 8/1/10 ($16)
100 % Mencia 14% alc
Color: Deep black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Tart, rich cherry with grapy acidity,subtle gravelly earth and papaya. (2.5) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent fruit and very good acidity. Rich, silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Very tasty, tart cherry. The fruit is fresh and lively with a little briar and game thrown in. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but acidity is a little sharp. (2.5)
Overall: A very good Mencia with rich tart cherry and papaya. The fruit is pure, the structure is good (acidity), but could use a little tannin and more distinction. Has hints of briar and game, but could use more complexity, as well. Nonetheless, this is charming by itself or with food. A little volatile acidity is present when first opened, but blows off with air. Seems that they dropped the price a few bucks between '05 and '07 vintages. I like this one better than the '05 at this point. Drink now and in the next year. (14)
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