Michelini I Mufatto

2020  Encrucijada

Encrucijada ---- "I tasted two vintages of most of the wines, 2020 and 2021, two very different years in the region. The 2020 Encrucijada is from the first vineyard they bought in Bierzo, which is worked organically (but so far not certified), a north-facing plot on red slate soils. It fermented with full clusters in tinaja and matured in an oval 1,500-liter oak cask. It managed to keep the balance and freshness with 13.2% alcohol. There is some dusty earthiness here, a touch of iron and blood, and it's also perfumed, with notes of wild berries and herbs. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins and an earthy minerality. 1,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2021." - 96pts WA ---- From Alto de Valdecañada in Ponferrada. A blend of 90% Mencía 10% Palomino from 80-year-old goblet-pruned vineyards. Grapes are foot-trodden (pigeage à pied) on whole clusters, followed by fermentation in clay amphoras and gentle maceration without implementing the pumping over technique. It ages for nine months in used 500 liter French barrels.

2021  Encrucijada

Encrucijada ---- "All of the wines from 2021 have considerably less alcohol than the counterparts from 2020, reflecting the much cooler condition of the year. The 2021 Encrucijada has a moderate 12% alcohol and retained very good acidity. It's perfumed and elegant; the plants are happier after being recovered from being abandoned, and the cool vintage lifted the wine up. It's fresh, tightly wound, very tasty and fine, with elegant tannins. It has to be the most elegant and balanced vintage of Encrucijada so far. 1,700 bottles were filled in October 2022. -Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate" - 97pts WA