89+ 2006 Ventura Vina Caneiro (Ribeira Sacra) 6/6/09 ($24)
100% Mencia, 14% alc
Color: Medium deep black cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Gamey red meat, autumn leaves and other forestal nuances with black cherry fruit and a nuance of spicy beef broth. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight plus with excellent fruit and acidity, but also some heat and dry tannin in the mix. Coats somewhat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but somewhat closed with tannin and heat combining to add some bitterness. (2.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet with a long sweetness to the fruit and secondary nuances. Needs time, but already quite tasty. (3.0)
Overall: An interesting wine with a variety of secondary nuances including game, autumnn leaves and spices. These complement sweet black cherry fruit with excellent acidity and a tannic backbone. Already very tasty, but needs time to open fully. Give it 2-4 years or decant for a couple of hours, if drinking now. Its nuances and style are reminiscent of an elegant Northern Rhone. (14.5)