Raúl Pérez La Vizcaina 'El Rapolao'

Raul Perez was recently named the best winemaker in the world.He is certainly the newest master of Bierzo and the Mencia grape. Native to the region, he is sensitive to all of the small corners of each town, seeking out vineyards that tell a story. Of his many projects, this one is a serious study in the Bierzo terroir. Each wine is labeled by vineyard, similar to the “Cru”designations of Burgundy and Beaujolais. Most vines are nearly 100 years old.His wines are classically minded, but slightly natural. Elegant, yet wild, dark and brooding. He is one part master winemaker and one part sorcerer.

Smoke-accented blackberry and blueberry, perfumed, gamey and peppery. Densely packed dark berry preserve on the structured palate finishing with a smokey mineral cut(graphite), excellent tenacity and firm tannins. Definitely a more serious, thought provoking wine from the gently rolling hills of Bierzo.