This unfined, unfiltered offering, from steep vineyards (60-100-years old) composed primarily of schist, is 100% Mencia, a varietal indigenous to Bierzo. It is fashioned by the brilliant Spanish winemaker, Alvaro Palacios, from tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare. The 2003 Petalos del Bierzo exhibits a blueberry and blackberry-scented bouquet, an intense ripeness, but plenty of finesse and elegance. (Bierzo is a cool climate appellation, so the wines did not suffer from the vintage’s extreme heat.) The textured, rich, beautifully made 2003 boasts a long, persistent finish. A distinctive, singularly-styled effort that admirably displays this varietal’s potential, it should drink well for a decade. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484