Banzao Mencía Vino de Paraje Penedón 2021

The red 2021 Mencía Paraje Penedón comes from 0.28 hectares of vines on colluvial soils with slate, clay and boulders at 743 meters above sea level, from one of the coolest zones of the village (together with La Cruz), that were mostly abandoned in 2017 when she arrived. In the old vineyards, there's always a small percentage of other grapes, perhaps 5% here, all vinified together with 40% full clusters in stainless steel and barrels. It matured in 225- and 500-liter barrels for nine months. It has moderate ripeness and 13% alcohol, keeping a pH of 3.64 and 5.6 grams of acidity. Despite being the cooler zone, the wine has higher alcohol than any of the other reds from 2021, a cooler year with a longer cycle and a slow ripeness when the grapes achieved more ripeness and full development of aromas and flavors. It's a little darker, and so is the fruit on the nose, opening up to beautiful notes of decayed violets. It has a juicy palate with a fleshy texture and clean, focused flavors of wild berries and herbs. 960 bottles were filled in April 2023.

Spices with dark fruit and plums. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins, a juicy profile and a long finish. This comes from a single old vineyard planted on slate soils at around 750 meters of altitude. This is fermented with about 35% full clusters. Drink now or hold.