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Rául Pérez - Bierzo La Vizcaína El Rapolao 2023

Rául Pérez - Bierzo La Vizcaína El Rapolao 2023

96/100

Vinous

95/100

James Suckling

95/100

Tim Atkin

94/100

Robert Parker

Spain
Mencia
floral
ample
chocolate tart
new

“Made from grapes grown in a century-old vineyard in Bierzo, Rapolao is bursting with complexity and flavor: what a delight!”

“A floral nose with minty notes, revealing aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. On the palate, medium-bodied to full-bodied, it is rich, lively, and full of character. Firm and seductive, this wine features very well-integrated tannins with a lovely savory note. From an old vineyard at the top of the hill, north-facing. Fermented whole-cluster. Wait a year or two before drinking.” (James Suckling 2025)

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Rául Pérez Bodegas y Viñedos

Vintage

La Vizcaína El Rapolao

Vintage

2023

Designation

Bierzo

Region

Spain

Grape varieties

Mencía, Bastardo et Garnacha Tintorera

Terroirs

From the El Rapolao vineyard, located in Valtuille de Abajo (León), comprising 80% vines planted between 1974 and 1976 and 20% vines planted in 1920, with a total area of 1.5 hectares, northwestern exposure, at an elevation of 550 meters, on clay soils

Viticulture

Reasoned

Grape Harvest

Manuals

Winemaking

Fermentation with whole clusters, large open stainless steel tanks, 30 days of maceration, gentle pressing

Production method

Without clarification or filtration

Livestock farming

Aged for 12 months in large oak barrels (225 and 500 liters)

Alcohol content

13,5%

Eye

Deep, brilliant purple color

Nose

A bouquet of red berries, particularly raspberry, which dominates, complemented by notes of orange zest and violet

Palate

Full-bodied and expressive, with firm tannins, it unfolds with a rich, indulgent character and a lovely structure, featuring a certain mineral vibrancy that adds complexity to the tasting experience, with a long, aromatic finish

Serve

At 16-18°C

Open

1 hour before

Drink from

2026

Drink before

2043

Food and wine pairings

Food and wine pairings

Serve with pork belly, chicken strips with porcini mushrooms, or barbecue-roasted Camembert...

More information at Bierzo

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100 (Excellent wine)

About the wine:

The Vizcaína El Rapolao 2023 features a citrus freshness (blood orange) that balances the natural rusticity imparted to the wine by the terroir. It offers abundant, slightly earthy tannins, resulting from a year with good yields. It is primarily Mencía (with a blend of local grape varieties), and 80% of the grapes come from a vineyard planted between 1974 and 1976, one of the youngest plots in the area. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts and without temperature control. 4,500 bottles were produced in 2023. 2026–2032

Vinous

Vinous

Wine rated (2025 guide) 96/100

About the wine:

The Rapolao 2023 is a Mencía made from old vines in El Bierzo, grown on trellises. It was fermented using 100% whole clusters and aged for up to 11 months in oak barrels. This is a straightforward wine, offering aromas of pomegranate, cherry, violet, rosehip, and a touch of mint that refreshes the bouquet. It is juicy and taut, with fine, slightly dry tannins that bring freshness and energy. The finish is compact and marked by the character of the stem. 2025–2043

James Suckling

James Suckling

Wine rated (2025 guide) 95/100

About the wine:

A floral nose with minty notes, revealing aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. On the palate, medium-bodied to full-bodied, it is rich, lively, and full of character. Firm and appealing, this wine features very well-integrated tannins with a lovely, savory note. From an old vineyard at the top of the hill, facing north. Fermented as whole clusters. Wait a year or two before enjoying it.

Tim Atkin

Tim Atkin

Wine rated (2025 guide) 95/100

No rating available
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