2023 Cesar Marquez Perez El Rapolao Mencia

Cesar Marquez has Bierzo running through his veins, and is the latest generation of the Perez family to own the leading Castro Ventosa winery in north-western Spain. Growing up surrounded by the region's leading exponents, including a lengthy apprenticeship with one of the world's greatest winemakers, his uncle Raul Perez, has shaped much of what Cesar values in wine. While he still manages the family estate, Cezar started his own venture in 2015, and is already one of the most exciting young prospects in Spain.

Having a deep understanding and access to some of the best vineyards Bierzo has to offer, Cezar focuses on preserving purity and freshness, highlighting the promise Mencia has in the right place when made with attention to detail. Cezar is structuring his line-up of wines in Burgundian fashion, making a broader appellation wine, a village wine, along with several single vineyard offerings. Winemaking is similar on all wines, with grapes partially destemmed and fermented in open barriques, before spending 12 months in old barrels without any racking or top ups before bottling the following winter. These are wines that are not just great examples of Bierzo Mencia, but wines that truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest from any region or country.

Rapolao is the coolest of the single vineyard wines, located in the village of Valtuille and is certainly the most famous vineyard in Bierzo.

Other Reviews....
César's 2023 El Rapolao was sourced from a centenary plot in the coldest part of the village, where the soils are rich in iron and organic matter. It fermented with 30% full clusters in small 1,000-liter vats, with a short maceration of 17 days and an élevage in used 500-liter oak barrels. It comes in at 12.75% alcohol, a pH of 3.58 and 5.38 grams of acidity, with lower alcohol and more freshness and acidity than the previous vintage. This is a place with more rusticity, always a little earthier, with slightly dusty tannins. 1,911 bottles were filled in May 2025. Drink 2026-2036.
96+ points
Luis Gutiérrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 El Rapolao was sourced from old vines in Valtuille. It opens with violet, herbs, a touch of soft pine resin and rose. The palate is juicy, supple and gently creamy, with fine tannins and a clear expression. Tasted just weeks after bottling, this will gain further complexity with time. Drink 2025-2038.
95 points
Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous

Red cherries and herbs on the nose, with hints of tapenade, elderberries and earth adding depth. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, marked by fine-grained yet firm tannins and a focused thread of dark fruit that carries through to a tight, linear finish. Drink now or hold.
96 points
Jacobo García Andrade - JamesSuckling.com