The 2011 Gaba do Xil Mencia is fermented in inox with wild yeasts and rested for eight months before being bottled. It is a bright cherry color, with a nose of sour cherries, spices and an herbaceous touch. The palate is quite concentrated, showing a wild brambly character, with flavors of licorice and a long finish. One of the finest reds from Valdeorras. This represents good value. Drink 2013-2015. Telmo Rodriguez should need no introduction at this point in time. His modus operandi in a new region is to team up with some local vigneron or wine producer, start making a simple, affordable wine and take some time to really understand the region and its wines. Once he has done that, he starts searching for exceptional vineyards that would allow him to make a great wine from the appellation. In some places this process is faster, while in others it might take some more time. He’s been making wine in Valdeorras since 2003. He started with a white from Godello and a few years later he added a red which sold under the same brand, Gaba do Xil. With the 2010 vintage he’s surprising us with a single-vineyard red when most people in Valdeorras focus on whites. Importer: Vintus Wines, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000.

Gentle yet focused, this plush red offers pretty cherry, berry, floral, vanilla and spice flavors. Light tannins and fresh acidity impart a lacy structure. Drink now through 2014. 500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Valdeorras Select to Add