Veronica Ortega Mencia "ROC" 2012
(Bierzo, Spain) - [RP 92+] [AG 92]

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About the Wine:
Veronica organically farms several small old vine plots of 80 year-old Mencia in Valtuille de Abajo which on closer inspection reveal small percentages of other local indigenous varieties both red and white. The soil has a high proportion of sand with give the wines aromatic complexity. All harvesting is done by hand. In the cellar the wines are fermented with about 30% whole clusters in stainless steel tanks with occasional, gentle pigeage. After a 25 day maceration the wine is manual pressed with malo occurring in second- and third-fill 228L French oak barrels. Quite is bottled after 4 months in barrel while ROC spends more than 6 months in barrel before bottling

Appellation: Bierzo
Variety: Mencia
Age of Vines: 80
Farming: Organic
Soil: Clay limestone, sand
Altitude: 530 meters
Fermentation: Hand harvested, 50% whole cluster, natural yeast fermentation in vat with regular pigeage, 30 day maceration
Aging: 6 months in neutral 228L French oak barrels

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Rating & Reviews

92+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"There was no issue whatsoever with the 2012 ROC the third vintage for this Menci­a red, which showed exuberantly floral and aromatic, a wine sourced form two plots of old vines that are organically worked. 50% full clusters were used for the fermentation in a 5,000-liter vat with indigenous yeasts and malolactic in barrel. The wine matured in second and third use barriques for one year, with three rackings. The 2012 vintage is back at the heights of the 2010 after the warmer, more challenging 2011. A similar nose full of violets, lilies, blueberries cherries, incense, aromatic herbs, peated malt and damp earth is there again. The palate is medium-bodied with clean, delineated flavors, very fine tannins and good freshness. This is ideal with food. A great Menci­a. 4,000 bottles were produced in 2012." - Luis Gutiarrez (1st Jan 2015)

92 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous:
"(aged for a year in small French oak barrels): Bright purple. Heady aromas of black and blue fruits, potpourri and Asian spices, with a smoky element emerging with air. Taut and sharply focused on entry, then fleshier in the middle, offering vibrant boysenberry and black raspberry flavors with hints of candied violet and licorice. Finishes spicy and long, with repeating florality and sneaky tannins." - Josh Raynolds (Sep 2014)