Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos

The entry-level wine (what an entry!) is the 2007 Petalos del Bierzo, 100% Mancia from vineyards ranging in age from 40 to 90 years. It spends its first few weeks in new French barriques before transfer to seasoned oak for 6 to 10 months. Saturated purple in color, it offers up a super-fragrant bouquet of smoke, violets, mineral, wild blueberry, and black raspberry. Fruity yet complex on the palate, it has superb depth,grip, and balance. This sexy effort can be enjoyed over the next six years but only hedonists need apply. Descendientes de Jose Palacios’ first vintage was 1999. The men in charge are Richardo Perez and legendary vigneron Alvaro Palacios.

This sinuous red delivers both intensity and elegance, with smoky oak notes floating around boysenberry, mineral and licorice flavors. The tannins are well-integrated and give way to a perfumed finish. Drink now through 2015.