Raul Perez - Ultreia St Jacques 2021
Price: $27.99
Sale Price: $21.99
6+ Price: $19.99 / btl
12+ Price: $18.99 /btl
| Producer | Raul Perez |
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| Country | Spain |
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| Region | Bierzo |
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| Varietal | Mencia |
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| Vintage | 2021 |
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| Sku | 14319 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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For me, this is THE Best Value in the world. This is no hyperbole... I looked at my own purchase history and there is no wine I have bought more of in the past 10 years than this baby right here. Most compelling for me is its amazing versatility with food. Once, the gang and I were texting about potential wine pairings for my dinner and Tim responded, quite accurately, “For Todd the answer is always Mencia.” THIS Mencia to be precise…
Some praise from Wine Advocate on previous vintages tells the same story…
“It is a feast for both the intellect and the senses and may well be the best wine under $25 from anywhere… transcends its price category… nothing short of spectacular.” Wine Advocate
Why spend money on marketing or a website when you can deliver a wine like this? A blend of his more expensive Vizcaina and Ultreia lines, Raul’s goal here is to introduce people to Bierzo (region) and Mencia (grape) in an outrageous value. Oh, and you like this? Well, now come explore all of my other wines! And, as the foremost winemaker in the region, he’s all too happy for you to explore his family’s projects (Castro Ventosa, Cesar Marques Perez) and his friends (Rodrigo Mendez, Bodegas Estefania, etc).
As Raul says, “Growing a village isn’t just about the soil, it’s about your neighbours and helping one another to make great wine. We’re friends here.”
Ok... so what do we have here? Mostly Mencia with little bits of Bastardo (Trousseau), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Doña Blanca and Palomino. They don't really know exactly because nobody remembers when most of the vineyards were planted (1900-1940) and it all just kind of grows together! What's Mencia, then? Think great red Burgundy, mixed with top-notch Oregon Pinot, with a dash of Cabernet Franc... hmm... actually, as I drink another bottle... there is starting to be a striking resemblance to old-school Rhone reds as well... this wine has it all - fruit, earth, subtlety and nuance, yet expressive and accessible...
Perhaps that is the greatest triumph of Raul – his ability to craft wines that appeal to every wine lover. You can simply pop the cork and enjoy the wine for its vibrant fruit and textural suppleness. Or you can geek out and seek to discover every nuance of fruit – raspberry, brambleberry, boysenberry, black cherry, etc - along with the subtle earth notes of black tea, fresh herbs, coffee, etc. I’ve enjoyed this wine with all kinds of foods, roast chicken, tuna, salmon, lamb, burgers, the options are endless. It’s just such a fabulously balanced and food friendly wine!
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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