2022 El Rapolao
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Tasting notes
I love the elegant, floral and nuanced nose of the 2022 El Rapolao, sourced from a plot in the coldest part of the village, where the soils are rich in iron and organic matter. It fermented with 25% full clusters in small 1,000-liter vats, with a short maceration of 17 days and an élevage in used 500-liter oak barrels. It has 13.31% alcohol, a pH of 3.69 and 4.98 grams of acidity. It has a balanced and elegant profile, with lots of finesse, and it's very harmonious, floral and perfumed. It has a serious mouthfeel that is nicely textured, with very fine tannins. This is a triumph over the vintage. It is elegant and harmonious. 1,980 bottles were filled in December 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 César Márquez El Rapolao is Mencía from Valtuille, Bierzo. Red fruit dominates, with pomegranate and a menthol note characteristic of the vintage, alongside a touch of juicy strawberry. The tannins are more prominent, complemented by a richer palate (13.3% alcohol). César notes, "I think Bierzo wines show best between 12.5% and 13%. Beyond that, you taste the vintage." The 2022 is a pure expression of the year.