Lalama 2013

A champion in quality-to-price ratio, the red 2013 Lalama wants to replicate the traditional wine produced as a field blend that is mostly Mencía with some 10% a myriad other varieties—Brancellao, Mouratón, Sousón and Garnacha Tintorera—from many different vineyards on different soils, altitudes and expositions. The destemmed and crushed grapes fermented in 2,500-, 3,500 and 4,500-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts followed by malolactic in 300-liter barriques where it was kept for 13 months followed by a further seven months in oak vat. It has an explosive and captivating nose, an explosion of wild berries and herbs, with just a creamy touch and some spices. It's redolent of acid berries, with an electric-like sensation in the palate revealing great freshness, focused flavors, very fine tannins and a clean, long and refreshing finish. This is plain delicious, the best Lalama I remember. 65,000 bottles produced. This combines quality, price and availability from a region where wines tend to be produced in small quantities. It's approachable and ready but should be long lived.