Palacios "Corullon" 2004 (Bierzo, Spain)

Purple/red.

Intense, deep aromatics - pepper, earth (potato?), spice, citrus and an oak contribution that is extremely difficult to differentiate from the previous descriptors. Which means this is beautifully integrated stuff. Also obvious from the nose - this is loaded.

Pepper/earth front and center in the mouth, with citrus/spice too. Structure is immediate, driven primarily by acidity which adds impact to moderate tannin. This has real old-vine concentration - no bullshit here - as the flavors ride through serious, but not brutal, structure. And this is a very interesting, and differentiating point - you can't make this kind of flavor intensity in the winery. You either grow it or try to fake it.

Best to let this sit 2-3 years and drink over the ensuing 5. Buy it.

Day 3 - Just a bit more open on the nose and in the mouth. Vibrant citrus/pepper punch to the flavors, with that deep, potato/earth counterpoint. Focused, pure and chewy. Nothing fat here.

Day 6 - Really open now - ground pepper, roasted potatoes and a suggestion of melted butter. Indeed. Citrus in full force in the mouth, still pungent, but this is showing slight oxidation in the finish.


$40