The unoaked 2012 Tilenus shows the slight reduction and funkiness so typical of the Mencia vinified in inox. This is not a problem if you know it: this kind of unoaked Mencia wine should be decanted vigorously to get rid of those aromas with good amounts of air. Once the reductive notes blow-off you can enjoy the delicious notes and flavors typical of the grape: raspberries, strawberries, cherries and violets with a touch of licorice. The palate is light to medium-bodied, it is very smooth and drinkable. It is a wine of instant pleasure which offers both very good value and a perfect introduction to the Mencia grape and Bierzo wines. Drink 2013-2016 to enjoy the exuberance of the fruit. The official name of Tilenus is Bodegas Estefania, but everybody knows them by their brand name. The winery is owned by the Frias family, a name traditionally linked with the dairy business, and they were smart enough to hire Raul Perez as technical director for the winery. They own 40 hectares of vineyards, mostly around the villages of Pieros and Valtuille at around 800 meters altitude. The average age of their vineyards is very old, with some plots exceeding 100 years of age. They are one of the few producers in Bierzo offering more mature vintages; as you can see in this report they are still selling wines from 2004, 2005 and 2006. Imported by Classic Wines, Stamford, CT; tel. (203) 975-2522