The 2018 La Vizcaína El Rapolao Lomas de Valtuille, crafted by the influential Raúl Pérez, is a Mencía-based red wine from Bierzo, Spain. This vintage is noted for its more fluid, fresh, and elegant character compared to 2017, with a silkier mouthfeel and rounder, more elegant tannins. The vineyard, El Rapolao, is a renowned higher-altitude, cooler-exposition cru, with the La Vizcaína bottling coming from two plots on red soils, one planted in the 1920s and another in the 1980s. The 2018 vintage saw lower yields, producing 6,000 bottles. 【Raúl Pérez's influence makes El Rapolao the most labelled single vineyard wine in Bierzo】. Tasting notes reveal a vivid ruby-red color with a highly expressive and complex bouquet. Aromas include ripe red and blue fruits, exotic spices, potpourri, and candied licorice. On the palate, expect appealingly sweet black raspberry, mulberry, cherry cola, and floral pastille flavors, showing fine definition and a bracing core of smoky minerality. Some tasters also note pure cherry and raspberry fruit, plum, oregano, and earth, with maturing tannins. 🍴 Food Pairing: This Spanish Mencía pairs wonderfully with veal, poultry, and game such as deer or venison. It would also be excellent with red beans and rice. 🥂 Event: This wine is suitable for a sophisticated dinner party or a casual gathering where a complex and elegant red wine is appreciated. It's in its maturity window, making it ready to drink or hold.