Nose: Bright citrus notes of bergamot and lemon zest hit first, followed by a gentle floral bouquet reminiscent of chamomile and lavender. Subtle hints of rose petals and fresh herbs like thyme round out the aroma.
Palate: Smooth and silky texture carries flavors of candied citrus peel, particularly bergamot orange. Light honey sweetness balances gentle bitter notes. Herbal touches of gentian and melissa leaf add complexity. A slight spiciness reminiscent of white pepper appears mid-palate.
Finish: Medium-long finish with lingering citrus oils and a pleasant bittersweet quality. Floral notes reemerge alongside a subtle woody character. The finish is clean and refreshing, leaving a slight tingle on the tongue.
The aroma is bright, mild and lime-lollipop sweet, although the flavor is more herbal, with hints of mint and anise, and a pronounced licorice finish and alcohol sting. Thick, syrupy and tongue-coating.
This has a gutsy edge, with a mix of steeped fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit still wrestling with ganache and roasted apple wood notes. A strong, charcoal-coated spine courses through the finish, with waves of tobacco and singed iron echoing. Syrah....
The young red 2023 Mencía also contains the allowed 15% of other local varieties—Brancellao, Merenzao, Garnacha, Mouratón, Negreda, Sousón… It has notes of wild berries, herbs and flowers and a characteristic touch of honey and beeswax that I sometimes fi...