The wines from the Bodegas Godelia are new to me, but they’ve been creating quite a stir in the U.S. High standards, careful vinification and old vines contribute to the quality. Today’s red is their “entry level” release, but doesn’t taste at all secondary. It’s a 100% Mencia grape red from the Bierzo region of Spain. Made from 50- to 90-year-old vines, the depth and richness of the wine are evident. One thing I really like is that the wines are released late, therefore showing more secondary characteristics on the nose and palate. This wine is from the 2012 vintage; no cellaring required! Bravo, Godelia.
2012 Godelia Mencia $19 srp
Dark garnet color with lightening rim. Deeply fragrant with blackberry, black cherry, black currant and balanced fruit essences that meld and penetrate. Somewhat reminiscent of a left-bank Bordeaux on the nose. Flavors are pure, powerful and black fruit dominant. In fact, the flavors are reminiscent of crushed berries, with an earthy and a chocolatey texture. Slightly jammy, but not at all over the top. A big-boned red for a hanger steak, paella or a mushroom/eggplant casserole. Drink now-2020.
90/100 points
