Raúl Pérez Castro Ventosa Mencía 2023 – Single-Vineyard & Village Wines 6 Bottles | Bierzo, Spain This exclusive lot brings together six bottles of Mencía from the 2023 vintage, crafted by Raúl Pérez at Bodegas y Viñedos Castro Ventosa, one of the most respected historic estates in Bierzo. The selection highlights the vineyard hierarchy that defines top-level Bierzo wines, combining single-vineyard precision with the broader expression of a historic village. Lot Composition 4 bottles – Cova de la Raposa Mencía 2023 (single-vineyard wine) 2 bottles – Valtuille Vino de Villa Mencía 2023 The Wines Cova de la Raposa Mencía 2023 (4 bottles) Cova de la Raposa is a specific vineyard (viñedo/paraje) located in Valtuille de Abajo, planted with old bush vines on clay-limestone soils. This wine represents a higher tier within the Bierzo quality pyramid, emphasizing site transparency, tension, and mineral depth. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and vinified with Raúl Pérez’s minimal-intervention philosophy, it shows a precise and layered profile: dark cherry, wild herbs, graphite, subtle spice, and a saline, mineral backbone. The tannins are fine and persistent, delivering structure and long ageing potential without excess extraction. This is a serious terroir wine, produced in limited quantities, sought after by collectors who follow vineyard-designated Bierzo bottlings. Valtuille Vino de Villa Mencía 2023 (2 bottles) The Vino de Villa represents a village-level expression of Valtuille de Abajo, blending fruit from multiple old vineyards within the village boundary. It offers a broader, more immediate interpretation of Mencía while still retaining the signature elegance and freshness that define Raúl Pérez’s style. Aromatically expressive, with red and black berries, floral notes, dried herbs, and gentle earthiness, the palate is supple yet structured, making it both approachable in youth and capable of graceful mid-term ageing. Vintage & Winemaking Context The 2023 vintage in Bierzo is widely regarded as a high-quality year, marked by balance, aromatic clarity, and refined tannins. Raúl Pérez’s work in this vintage reinforces his reputation for producing wines that combine purity, precision, and authenticity, avoiding excess oak or manipulation in favor of vineyard expression. Critical Recognition Wines from Castro Ventosa and Raúl Pérez’s Mencía bottlings are consistently well rated by Robert Parker / The Wine Advocate, particularly for their transparency of terroir, ageing potential, and finesse. The 2023 releases have been especially noted for their freshness, depth, and structural harmony, reinforcing their appeal among critics and collectors alike. Cellar Conditions All bottles in this lot have been professionally stored in impeccable cellar conditions, with controlled temperature and humidity, protected from light and vibration. This careful preservation ensures optimal bottle evolution and safeguards their long-term ageing and investment potential. Final Notes – Collectability & Investment Perspective This lot represents a coherent, high-level snapshot of modern Bierzo, uniting single-vineyard precision and village expression under the signature of one of Spain’s most influential contemporary winemakers. Limited production, strong critical reception, and growing international demand for terroir-driven Mencía position these wines as serious candidates for both collectors and long-term cellaring. An excellent opportunity to acquire a curated Raúl Pérez selection with clear provenance, strong identity, and solid potential for patrimonial appreciation over time.