2009 Descendientes de Jose Palacios "Petalos del Bierzo" Bierzo
SKU #1076840
93 points
Wine Spectator
(#26 on the Top 100 Wines of 2011) This polished red shows density and harmony, with complex, well-integrated flavors of mineral, wild berry, fresh herbs and smoke. Not showy, but has character. Drink now through 2018.
(11/2011)
91 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
Lurid purple. Bright, assertively perfumed aromas of blackberry, cherry, licorice and violet. Deep and spicy, offering mineral-driven dark berry flavors that show excellent clarity and a suave floral quality. Tangy acidity adds lift and cut to a long, sappy finish. This wine's blend of richness and energy is intriguing.
(12/2010)
90 points
Wine Advocate
The new releases (all 100% Mencia) include the entry-level 2009 Petalos del Bierzo sourced mainly from leased vineyards with vine age ranging from 40-90 years. It was aged for a few weeks in new French barriques followed by 6-10 months in seasoned barrels. It shows lovely density and purity in an up-front style. Dark black cherries, violets, and Asian spices perch on a medium-bodied frame with well integrated oak and an elegant personality. With excellent volume and length, it is a classy introduction to what can be achieved in the DO of Bierzo.
Descendientes de Jose Palacios was founded in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios and Ricardo Perez. The estate has steep hillside vineyards ranging in age from 60-100 years planted to 100% Mencia, the indigenous grape of cool-climate Bierzo. The vineyards are biodynamically farmed and the wines are bottled without fining or filtration. It, along with the Bierzo wines of Raul Perez, is arguably the finest in the DO.
(6/2011)
