Descendientes de Jose Palacios, Las Lamas, Bierzo DO 2022

Right now, I prefer the 2022 Las Lamas to the Moncerbal from this same vintage. Moncerbal is the place that suffers more from the draught and heat, as it's very rocky and has less organic matter, less water retention, while the Las Lamas has more resources to fight lack of water and high temperatures through the higher content of clay. This is expressive, perfumed and elegant, quite Lamas.

They call Las Llamas a ‘vino de montaña’ – mountain wine – with vines growing at up to 700m on clay soils. The overall effect is sumptuous: even in its youth it jumps from the glass offering cranberries and redcurrants. The entry to the mouth is smooth, supple and rounded, exploding with the flavours promised by the aromatics. The finish is clean, with firm tannin layered with freshness. From year to year my preference changes between Moncerbal and Las Llamas. This year Las Llamas is definitely on top. Watch it as it ages beautifully. Gran Viña Classificada. 6,930 bottles produced.