Cesar Marquez - Bierzo 'Villegas' Mencia - 2023

After six years of experimentation, this is César’s first release from the Villegas paraje, and what a debut! Intensely floral, with rose petal and talc, it has an ethereal precision without losing the weight and substance of the Valtuille vineyard. Fermented in large old oak with 30% whole bunch, it is vibrant and elegant with a flicker of pomegranate, and is beautifully framed by woody spice following 12 months aging in 500L barrels. It is a pure and seamless interpretation of the Bierzo valley floor with that rare ability to provide immediate delight, yet built with serious foundations to last. 100 Points Beth Willard, 2025 Tim Atkin Bierzo Report