Castro Ventosa – Premium Mencía Vineyard Collection (6 × 75cl, Vintage 2023) 2× El Rapolao 2023 – 96+ Parker Points 2× Cova de la Raposa 2023 – 96 Parker Points 2× Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2023 vintage *Note 97 Parker Points (for the 2022 vintage as reference) This lot gathers the three most prestigious vineyard-designate Mencías of Castro Ventosa from the outstanding 2023 vintage. These wines are paragons of vino de paraje expression: rare single-vineyard bottlings or centenarian vine selections, crafted by Raúl Pérez’s team with minimal intervention, and exhibiting the full spectrum of Bierzo terroir – elegance, precision, power, and age-worthiness. Terroir, Winemaking & Technical Highlights El Rapolao: sourced from vines over 100 years old, facing cooler exposures; fermented with partial whole clusters; aged in large French oak barrels for ca. 12 months. Exemplifies finesse, red fruit backed by minerality. Valtuille Cepas Centenarias: also centennial vines, field blend of Mencía with small local varieties, low yields, aged in oak (various sizes), very limited production. The 2022 vintage already scored 95 Parker, showing consistency and high prestige. Cova de la Raposa: old vines (90+ years), steep parcel, exposed to stone-and-clay soils; known prior vintages for minerality and depth; retains structure and character in challenging vintages. Tasting & Ageing Impression Expect these wines to deliver vibrant aromas of wild berries, stone fruit, herbs and floral hints, overlayed with subtle oak spice, graphite, and earthy minerality. The palate will balance freshness and power, with well-integrated tannins, depth and a long, elegantly persistent finish. El Rapolao and Cepas Centenarias are likely to show best over medium-long term (5-15 years), while still accessible now for those who enjoy youthful vibrancy. Cellar Conditions & Provenance All bottles stored under impeccable cellar conditions: stable ideal temperature, proper humidity, dark environment, minimal vibration. Fills, labels, corks in excellent, authentic condition. Photographic proof of storage and provenance is available, ensuring trust for high-value bidders. Investment & Collector Appeal This set of six bottles captures three of Bierzo’s top Mencía expressions from 2023 — an unusual opportunity given their limited production and elevated Parker recognition. For investors, vineyards of signature quality, single-vineyard identity, centenarian vines, and high scores equate to growing demand and potential value appreciation. This lot is both a tasting delight now and a patrimonial asset whose rarity and quality make it likely to outperform over time.