The Palacios project was set apart from the others for various reasons: it actively searched for old vines located in steep slopes at high altitude in the vicinity of Corullón and applied vinification techniques that were less focused on extraction and more on highlighting terroir personality. Additionally, Ricardo is one of the first producers in Spain to farm his own vineyards following biodynamic principles.

With its monastic past, its location right in the heart of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James), and a considerable amount of old vines perched on steep slopes, the Bierzo area must have felt like a small Atlantic Priorat to Álvaro Palacios. It has all the ingredients to produce Burgundy-style wines.

Sensual opulence is the best way to describe this wine – grown on small plots on a precipitous slope with fragile, decomposed soils. The small slate flakes on the topsoil reflect the midday sunlight and stimulate grape ripening. The grapes used to make the Las Lamas wine come from the place with the same name in Corullón, Castilla y León. The plot is classified as the equivalent of a French Grand Cru Classé. The vines vary in age between 60 to 100 years old, and are cultivated according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture.  These berries result in a voluptuous, stimulating wine.

Tasting Notes

Incredible notes of tangerine and blood orange along with the red berries with an herbal twist. The palate is all silk, round and integrated, really approachable but age worthy.

Food Pairing

Grilled lamb and game meat.

Awards

2017 Robert Parker 95-97 Points.

Grape Variety: Mencia 

Country: Bierzo - Spain