2007 Descendientes de Jose Palacios "Petalos del Bierzo" Bierzo

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The entry-level wine (what an entry!) is the 2007 Petalos del Bierzo, 100% Mencia from vineyards ranging in age from 40 to 90 years. It spends its first few weeks in new French barriques before transfer to seasoned oak for 6 to 10 months. Saturated purple in color, it offers up a super-fragrant bouquet of smoke, violets, mineral, wild blueberry, and black raspberry. Fruity yet complex on the palate, it has superb depth, grip, and balance. This sexy effort can be enjoyed over the next six years but only hedonists need apply." (02/09) 90 points Wine Spectator: "This sinuous red delivers both intensity and elegance, with smoky oak notes floating around boysenberry, mineral and licorice flavors. The tannins are well-integrated and give way to a perfumed finish. Drink now through 2015." (11/09) Petalos is in top form in '07, showing bright blue and red berry fruits on the nose, which follow through to a pure, velvety, impeccably balanced palate. It's vibrant wine, but complex as well, with traces of white pepper, cardamom, a streak of mineral and terrific acidity running through it all. If you like Pinot Noir, Northern Rhone Syrah, or simply want to sample one of our very best from Spain, Petalos is the wine to try, and a great wine to have on-hand for weeknight dinners or entertaining. (April 2010)