Raúl Pérez – Castro Ventosa 2023 El Val Godello, Vino de Villa & Rapolao Mencía Single Vineyard & Paraje Wines | Bierzo 6 Bottles This premium lot comprises six bottles from the outstanding 2023 vintage, all produced by Raúl Pérez at Bodegas y Viñedos Castro Ventosa, one of Bierzo’s most historic and terroir-driven estates. The selection brings together three distinct expressions of Valtuille de Abajo, spanning white and red wines that represent different levels of vineyard classification: single vineyard, village wine, and paraje wine. Lot Composition 2 bottles – El Val Godello 2023 (single vineyard Godello) 2 bottles – Vino de Villa Mencía 2023 (village wine, Valtuille de Abajo) 2 bottles – Rapolao Mencía 2023 (paraje wine) The Wines El Val Godello 2023 (2 bottles) Sourced from a specific, carefully delimited vineyard, El Val is widely regarded as one of the finest Godello sites in Bierzo. Vinified with indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention, it emphasizes precision, mineral tension, and longevity. The wine shows citrus zest, white peach, fennel, and crushed stone aromas. On the palate, it is vibrant and saline, with depth, structure, and remarkable ageing potential, placing it among Spain’s most serious white wines. Vino de Villa Mencía 2023 (2 bottles) This wine represents the village expression of Valtuille de Abajo, blending fruit from multiple parcels within the village. It reflects the classic character of Bierzo Mencía, interpreted through Raúl Pérez’s transparent, low-intervention philosophy. Aromatic and finely textured, it offers red berries, floral notes, wild herbs, and subtle mineral undertones. The palate is fresh, balanced, and elegant, providing both early approachability and mid-term ageing capacity. Rapolao Mencía 2023 (2 bottles) Rapolao is one of Bierzo’s most celebrated parajes, known for its complexity and pedigree. Raúl Pérez’s interpretation comes from old vines planted on clay-limestone soils, delivering a wine of depth, precision, and strong identity. Dark cherry, violets, graphite, and earthy nuances define the nose. The palate is structured and energetic, with fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Production is limited, enhancing its desirability among collectors. Vintage Overview The 2023 vintage in Bierzo is noted for freshness, balance, and aromatic clarity. Raúl Pérez’s restrained winemaking—native yeasts, gentle extraction, and minimal oak—allows each terroir to express itself with authenticity and precision. Critical Recognition Wines from Castro Ventosa and Raúl Pérez consistently receive high ratings from Robert Parker / The Wine Advocate, particularly for El Val Godello and Rapolao Mencía, which are regarded as benchmarks for their respective categories. The 2023 releases have been especially praised for purity, finesse, and ageing potential. Cellar Conditions All bottles have been stored under impeccable professional cellar conditions, with stable temperature and humidity, protected from light and vibration. Photographic documentation confirms the excellent level of preservation, ensuring optimal evolution in bottle. Final Notes – Collectability & Investment Perspective This lot offers a complete hierarchy of terroir expressions from Valtuille de Abajo, combining single-vineyard, village, and paraje wines signed by Raúl Pérez, one of Spain’s most influential winemakers. Limited production, strong international demand, and consistent critical acclaim make this a highly attractive collector’s selection, with clear potential for long-term appreciation and patrimonial value.