2021 Las Lamas – Descendientes De J. Palacios.
In a previous review of the 2021 Finca Dofí, we highlighted Rafael Palacios as one of Spain’s most accomplished winemakers. Known for his diverse projects across Spain—many in collaboration with friends or family—Rafael focuses on regional grape varieties to showcase the unique character of each local terroir.
In this review, we turn our attention to another of Rafael’s ventures: the 2021 Las Lamas from the Spanish D.O. Bierzo, featuring the region’s signature grape, Mencía.
About the Winery
Descendientes de José Palacios (DJP) is a celebrated winery founded by Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios, marking one of three estates belonging to the illustrious Palacios family. The winery honors the late José Palacios, Álvaro’s father, who passed away in 2000 as the first vintages from the Bierzo project were being prepared. This touching tribute inspired the name and philosophy of the estate, intertwining familial heritage with the pursuit of exceptional winemaking.
The journey began in 1999 when Ricardo, fresh from studying viticulture in Bordeaux and permaculture in León, discovered ancient Mencía vineyards perched high on the mountain slopes near the village of Corullón. Intrigued by the untapped potential of these vines, he sought Álvaro’s expertise. Álvaro, renowned for revitalizing old Garnatxa vines in Priorat, immediately recognized the significance of Ricardo’s find. Together, they committed to restoring these neglected vineyards and unlocking the potential of Bierzo’s terroir.
Over the years, Álvaro and Ricardo have meticulously acquired and revitalized old vineyards, focusing on massal selection to propagate and preserve the genetic heritage of Mencía. Their approach combines a deep respect for traditional viticulture with innovative techniques, emphasizing organic and biodynamic practices to enhance the purity of the wines.
The winery is located in Bierzo, a region defined by its rugged terrain, unique microclimates, and slate-rich soils that contribute to the distinctive character of its wines. Mencía, the signature grape of Bierzo, takes center stage in their portfolio. Through careful vineyard management and precise winemaking, DJP has elevated Mencía to new heights, crafting wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a profound sense of place.
About the Vineyard
Las Lamas is one of the winery’s prime vineyards within the Bierzo region. Situated near the village of Corullón, this south-facing vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate and diverse soil composition, predominantly featuring clay intermixed with slate. These conditions contribute to the vineyard’s ability to retain moisture, fostering the development of ripe, concentrated fruit.
The vineyard is primarily planted with Mencía vines, some exceeding 60 years in age, alongside small quantities of other indigenous varieties. The combination of old vines and the vineyard’s specific terroir imparts a distinctive character to the grapes, resulting in wines that are both powerful and elegant.
The meticulous vineyard management and biodynamic practices employed by Descendientes de J. Palacios ensure that Las Lamas remains a benchmark for quality and authenticity in Bierzo’s viticultural landscape.
About the Wine
The 2021 Las Lamas is a masterpiece that captures the soul of Bierzo’s terroir with elegance and depth. In the glass, it radiates a deep ruby core edged with garnet highlights, hinting at its intensity and promise of longevity.
On the nose, a beguiling bouquet unfolds with aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, and mature dark berries, intertwined with floral notes of rosehip, lilac, and violet. Delicate layers of garnet spices, potash, and earthy minerality add complexity, creating a sense of intrigue and sophistication. The palate is luxurious yet structured, offering a liquorous quality that exudes ripe red fruits, blackberries, and wild raspberries. This velvety texture is counterbalanced by perfectly integrated grape-pip tannins, providing grip and definition. Nuances of sweet spices, crushed slate, and an almost balsamic depth enhance the wine’s multifaceted character.
Silky and voluptuous, Las Lamas possesses an elegant density, with a seamless balance between its mineral backbone and its rich, oily mouthfeel. The finish is long and harmonious, lingering with echoes of dark chocolate, licorice, and a subtle smoky undertone, underscoring its profound complexity.
Approachable now with extended decanting, this Las Lamas is poised for remarkable aging potential, promising even greater refinement over the next 10–15 years. A true expression of Mencía’s potential, this wine embodies the timeless allure of the Corullón slopes.
We award this stunning single vineyard wine with a 96-point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. Descendientes de José Palacios is imported in the Netherlands by Vinites and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €145,00
Taste date: November 2024
Score: 96/100 DWA Score
Website: N/A