2003 Descendientes de J. Palacios “Petalos del Bierzo”. Bierzo DO, Spain. 13.5% alcohol. $19.
While the winery has focused on vineyards in Corullon, in 2003 they decided to make a cuvée from vineyards in other areas of the Bierzo DO. Unlike the Corullon derived wines, grapes for this offering were sourced from leased vineyards and were also bought from independent growers. Despite using non-estate sources, the fruit still came from vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years. The Petalos is deeply hued with slow moving lightly pigmented legs. Black pepper, some game, earth, minerals, and smoky cranberry scents. Good mouthfeel with some persistent tannin and nice acidity. Turns a bit hollow in the mid palate. Despite being more rustic than the Corullon offerings, this wine provides a reasonably priced introduction to the Palacios’ Bierzos. Drink now to 2012. 87 points.