2021 Dominio do Bibei Lalama Ribeira Sacra

The 2021 LaLama is 85% Mencia with other red varieties from Ribeira Sacra. This opens with balsamic-tinged notes of clear violet, dried flowers, plum and fresh red fruit. Delicate and honest in expression, it combines fruit with a faint herbal touch on the finish. The 2021 is complex, slightly lean and flavorful. 94 points

The very approachable young red 2021 Lalama has notes of wild berries, flowers and herbs that talk about the Mencia grape (it has 15% other varieties) and the dramatic conditions of the Ribeira Sacra vineyards, with a honeyed twist. It`s medium-bodied, has fine tannins and is nicely textured, with a bitter twist in the finish. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.7 with 4.8 grams of acidity. This is very drinkable and approachable and always represents a good value and great introduction to the zone and the portfolio. It was bottled in August 2023 after it matured in 300- and 500-liter French oak barrels, 10% of them new, and in 1,500- and 3,000-liter oak foudres for 15 months. 94 points