2023 Cesar Marquez Perez Valtuille Vino de Villa 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.

Valtuille Vino de Villa replaces the previous Las Firmas bottling, and is Cezar's village wine sourced from two sites in the village of Valtuille, considered the most prestigious village in Bierzo.

Other Reviews....
The village red 2023 Valtuille Vino de Villa comes from sandy soils on closer plots. This year, it's 85% Mencía, 10% Alicante Bouschet and 5% other white and red varieties like Bastardo, Sousón or Estaladiña. It fermented with some full clusters in 1,000-liter vessels and matured in 500-liter barrels. It's juicy, round, harmonious and fruit-driven, with freshness and elegance. It has a moderate 12.55% alcohol, a pH of 3.51 and 5.42 grams of acidity. 6,890 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2025. Drink 2025-2032.
94+ points
Luis Gutiérrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Valtuille Vino de Villa opens with aromas of pomegranate, violet, rose and cherry. The palate is compact, juicy and tense, with a slightly more enveloping texture and a fresh, sustained finish. Drink 2025-2035.
93 points
Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous

Perfumed on the nose, with dried geraniums, rose petals and herbal nuances. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, showing an ethereal character with delicate fruit. Subtle and refined, with a graceful finish. This comes from five parcels planted in the village of Valtuille. It’s classified as Vino de Villa, the designation for a village wine. Fermented with about 30% whole clusters. Drink now.
96 points
Jacobo García Andrade - JamesSuckling.com