Mixed Tasting Case Cesar Marquez 2021

El Rapolao: 97 points
Márquez's version of El Rapolao in 2021, the 2021 El Rapolao is from the coldest part of the village where the soils are rich in iron and organic matter, and it was micro-fermented by plot in small 1,000-liter vats with a maceration of 17 days and an élevage in used 500-liter oak barrels. It has 12.81% alcohol and nice balance with freshness and acidity coupled with fine tannins. It's super elegant, with lots of finesse, very harmonious, floral and perfumed. It has an austere mouthfeel and is nicely textured, with very fine, chalky tannins. It's more relaxed than previous vintages, when the wine felt tighter. 1,611 bottles were filled in December 2022. Drink 2024-2032.

Pico Ferreira: 96+ points
The super elegant and fresh 2021 Pico Ferreira comes from northeast-facing ancient vines in the village of Corullón on shallow slate soils that deliver small bunches. Each of the plots fermented separately with their own yeasts with 50% full clusters and 45 days of maceration, and the wine matured in a combination of 500- and 600-liter oak barrels for around one year. It has a harmonious and elegant palate with 12.92% alcohol and fine-grained tannins. It is serious, with tension and the stony feeling from the slate soils. This has more depth and complexity than the 2020—more serious. 1,504 bottles were filled in December 2022. Drink 2024-2034.

Sufreiral: 97+ points
A particular favorite of mine, the 2021 Sufreiral comes from one of the few limestone-based soils in Bierzo, in the village of Toral de los Vados, the other, southwest-facing side of Pico Ferreira. It fermented in 1,000-liter vats, as he has different small plots that are vinified separately, with some 35% full clusters and indigenous yeasts (like all his wines). It matured in 500- and 600-liter oak barrels for 12 months. The wine has a moderate 12.73% alcohol and very good and integrated acidity. It has chalky minerality, great elegance, a tender palate with very fine tannins and a super tasty, almost salty finish. This is open, delicate and amazingly elegant, a little à a Ribeira Sacra. 1,702 bottles were filled in December 2022. Drink 2023-2033.

El Rapolao: 94 points
Beautiful fruit is immediate on the nose, with leayers of red cherry and plum interlaced with rosemary and thyme from subtle wholebunch. The fruit on the palate is fleshy yet with real tang, bright acids and subtle spice add intrigue and depth. Lifted with sweet floral tones, there is a bright peppery character throughout, giving an airy spiciness against the polished fruit. Very fine.

Pico Ferreira: 94+ points
There is a slight struck match reduction to this wine at the moment, it is undoubtedly the tightest wine of the three at the moment. With air, fine hedgerow fruit comes through with violet and pink peppercorn. The palate is similarly structured and chalky, folded in on itself for now. However, there is real depth and the tannic structure is very refined. I expect this wine to shine after a year in bottle, and it could prove to be the longest lived of the three. One to watch.

Sufreiral: 96+ points
An absolute joy, this is more mineral and saline than El Rapolao but intensely aromatic already. Salted plums, steeped red cherries and spicy pepper all come through. The palate is electric with acid and tangy fruits. There is grip, but it is pithy and fine, unobtrusive despite the youthful nature of this wine. Blood orange and wild blossoms linger with riper red fruits on the finish. I took this particular wine home and it was even more expressive in the evening. Excellent.