“Lovely, pure, graceful and fragrant.” - Decanter, 95 points

An absolutely brilliant value Mencia from the absolutely brilliant Telmo Rodriguez. It’s silky smooth, aromatic and oh-so very 21st Century in the way that it favours freshness and drinkability over oak-spice and weight. Lucia said that it reminded her of those high altitude Languedoc reds from the Terrasses du Larzac and she’s spot on, as it has delicacy yet richness of flavour, with similar core flavours of red-plum, vine tomato and cherry, highlighted by white pepper and grilled bacon fat. On the palate, it feels graceful, like a new world Pinot Noir, with some floral notes too, but finishes with a little pinch of tannins that gives it an air of sophistication, stopping it becoming a juicy fruit bomb. All of this, from one of Spain’s top winemakers, for just £18.95? Grab a Gaba do! 14% alc. Drink now-2028.

Press review:

Decanter: “Telmo Rodríguez’s journey through Spain reviving and recuperating vineyards has led him to work with 43 different varieties. Although established in Rioja, he has also put Málaga back on the map and worked with Garnacha in the Sierra de Gredos, as well as establishing wineries in other regions. This Mencía is fermented and aged in stainless steel, revealing the variety’s purity. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Forward, juicy aromas. Distinctly individual profile, with dense, succulent fruit and a long, ripe finish. Beth Willard: Pretty nose with tomato vine, sour cherry, floral. Very crunchy, green freshness and just the right amount of grippy tannin. Highly drinkable. David Williams: Lovely, pure, graceful and fragrant – full of violet and raspberry juice, racy and succulent with silky tannins and a twist of bergamot and blood orange tang, beetroot earthiness. Almost Pinot-esque. Drink now-2028.” 95 points