El Rapolao Bodegas Raul Perez scored 95 pts by Robert Parker and 94pts from Vinous! From 2012 onwards it scores 95pts almost every year! We strongly suggest that you buy several bottles, now that you can, because soon it is expected to become collectible and hard to get!
The majestic Raul Perez, having been taught by the maître of Bierzo and the up-rising Mencia varietal, Alvaro Palacios, decided to take the variety and terroir of the area to a completely different level! Some call him a winemaking genius, others the best winemaker in the world and they are all right. Let us just tell you that 200 of his wines have appeared in Robert Parker's lists (he is also human and has a soft spot, what can we say!).
His philosophy can be summarized to biodynamic cultivation, non-invasive and whole cluster vinification (as in Burgundy), and old vines. This is how El Rapolao Bodegas Raul Perez is made. The blend consists of Mencia, Bastardo, and Garnacha Tintorera, which come from vines planted in 1920 and 1980, at an altitude of 550 meters. Vinification with whole bunches, extraction for 30 days, and fermentation with ambient yeasts set the basis. After that, the wine matures in French oak barrels of 225 and 500 liters, for 12 months. It is bottled unfiltered and ready to conquer the world.
Six bottles of El Rapolao Bodegas Raul Perez are not enough! We warned you!