Cesar Marquez - Bierzo 'Sufreiral' Mencia - 2023

The 2023 Sufreiral comes from a centenary plot in the village of Toral de los Vados on the other, southwest-facing side of Pico Ferreira, one of the few plots on limestone-based soils in Bierzo. It fermented in 1,000-liter vats, as he has different small plots that are vinified separately, with some 35% full clusters and indigenous yeasts (like all his wines). It matured in 600-liter oak barrels and a 1,200-liter oak vat for 12 months. It's very complete, floral and nuanced, elegant and fine-boned, with a different texture, chalky, given the limestone soils. 98 Points Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate