Las Lamas 2020

A Bierzo with great depth and soft-spoken complexity, but still upbeat, effusing a mineral twist to the smoked herbs, iron, raw meat, black cherries, blueberries, dried botanicals, violets and slate. Medium to full body with an ethereal and layered mid-palate that leads to a super-long, lingering finish. The tannins are so dusty and polished. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better after 2024.

This is always the ripest of the wines, and in 2020 it's no exception: the 2020 Las Lamas is 14.5% alcohol. But what's important is that it doesn't show—it doesn't feel ripe or warm. In fact, this feels fresher and more harmonious and lively than the Moncerbal; it DOES need ripeness. It's very expressive and very Lamas, more Mediterranean and really what it is. It's juicy and peachy, very velvety, with round and glossy tannins but without being heavy. It's very balanced and shows a certain freshness, but it's a rich wine. It's now certified organic. 6,400 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2021 in a break from the long 2021 harvest.

A memorable wine that holds you firmly in its grip and hugs you tight. There’s layers of character here: graphite for sure, succulent plums certainly, a fresh zip of acidity and then the firm tannin of 2020. Best to wait: this will blossom with time in the cellar, and then decanting.