Michelini i Mufatto 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.

Very pale ruby colour. Extremely botanical nose: juniper, rosemary, orange peel. The red fruit comes behind. This is a Bierzo turned into a perfume; the profile is crisp and delicately vegetal. Very fresh acidity and aerial texture. I can't stop thinking about how this wine would be with more concentration.