2005 Descendientes de J. Palacios Corullon Las Lamas

The 2005 Corullon “Las Lamas” is purple-colored with an expressive bouquet of earth, mineral, smoke, leather, and blueberry. This is followed by an elegant, ripe, full-flavored wine with excellent depth and concentration. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar to unwind and drink this stylish effort through 2017. This estate was started in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios. It has steep hillside vineyards and 60- to 100-year-old vines planted in 100% Mencia, a varietal indigenous to Bierzo, a cool-climate D.O. Importer: Manny Berk, The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; (707) 996-4484

Ruby-red. Explosively fragrant nose offers a sexy array of red and dark berries, along with zesty minerality, fresh and dried flowers and cinnamon. Deep strawberry and blackberry flavors are remarkably elegant, with uncanny precision for a wine with such flavor impact. Whatever tannins are here have been enveloped by the vibrant, pure fruit. Finishes sweet and with superb breadth and length.