R. Parker (91/100)
There was a creamy and lactic note in the nose of the 2017 El Castro de Valtuille Mencía Joven, despite the fact that it only matured between three and five months in used 5,000-liter oak vats. It just added to the complexity of this young and interesting young Mencía, which is expressive and had a soft palate with fine tannins and a thread of freshness going through its core. They did a shorter maceration because the year was warmer, and it resulted in a very balanced and fresh red, more about finesse. It has old-vine complexity and represents a modern, clean side of Bierzo at a very, very affordable price point. Some 35,000 bottles produced.