Inky ruby. Primal dark berry aromas are complemented by smoky licorice and herbal and floral nuances. A firm mineral spine supports juicy blackberry and cherry flavors, with dusty tannins adding grip. Becomes sweeter on the finish, leaving behind a strong raspberry quality. I’d give this a year or so to flesh out. Stephen Tanzer
91pts View from the Cellar– 2016 vintage
I have been very impressed with the quality of the straight Mencía bottling from Bodegas Luna Beberide in the last few vintages and the 2016 is again, an excellent wine and a superb value. As readers may recall, this is the entry level bottling from the bodegas and is raised solelyin stainless steel tanks. The 2016 offers up a fine and impressively complex nose of pomegranate, dark berries, graphite, cola, a fine base of soil tones, a bit of roasted meats, wild fennel and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and marvelously transparent, with a good core, tangy acids and fine focus and grip on the moderately tannic, complex and classy finish. This is still priced well under twenty dollars a bottle and is a stunning bargain. Buy it by the case, as it will age beautifully! 2018-2040.
90+pts Wine Advocate– 2016 vintage
Following the good line I saw last year, the 2016 Mencía, a young, unoaked bottling, showed plenty of varietal character, with clean aromas, focused flavors and good balance and freshness. 150,000 bottles produced. Drink Date 2017 – 2020.
90pts International Wine Report– 2016 vintage
The 2016 Luna Beberide Bierzo is a really well-made wine which was sourced from 40 year old Mencia vines. Right at the start the wine yields some heady red and dark fruit aromatics. As it continues to build in the glass, blue fruits come into play alongside red cherry, cranberry and a touch of blood orange on the palate. Silky and smooth on the mouth, and showing some bright, mouth-watering acidity, this excellent value will be best enjoyed in the next five to seven years.
