Domaine de Bibei Ribeira Sacra

Domaine de Bibei Lalama Ribeira Sacra 2011...$32.99

Grapes: 90% Mencia, 10% bend of Brancellao, Mouraton, Souson, and Garnacha 

Vine age: 15 - 100 years
(made from vines ranging in age from 15 to more than 100 years of age): Bright violet color. High-pitched dark berry and floral scents are complemented by suggestions of smoky minerals and cracked pepper. Nervy and sharply focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and blackberry flavors that deepen with aeration. The energetic finish features fine-grained tannins and lingering floral character. This wine was fermented in large, used French oak casks and then aged for seven months in a combination of large and small French oak vessels, all of them used.

Rated 92/100 Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

Domaine de Bibei Lacima Ribeira Sacra 2011...$66.99

Grapes: 100% Mencía 

Vine age: 50 - 100 years

(fermented in used 500-liter French oak barrels, with the malo occurring in used French oak barriques, where the wine then rested for 19 months before bottling): Bright violet color. Heady black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of smoky minerals, cola and spicecake, with a peppery nuance adding lift. Smooth, concentrated and broad on the palate, offering sweet cassis, blueberry and bitter chocolate flavors and a subtle touch of candied violet. Velvety tannins give shape to a long, fruit-driven finish complicated by notes of allspice and mocha. These vines reportedly range in age from 50 to more than 100 years old.
Rated 93/100 Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media