Casar de Burbia is one of a handful of small, very high quality estates that is bringing the wines of Bierzo in north west Spain into the spotlight.

Owned and run by the Fernandez Bello family, the estate has 27 hectares of vines, most of which are at around 600m above sea level. Mencia is the key red grape variety (Godello makes up the white plantings) and under the exacting eye of winemaker Isidra Fernandez Bello, the results are superb.

Their red is 100% Mencia and aged in French barriques for 12 months, giving this rather opulent, soft, raspberry fruit red a subtle, well integrated toastiness.

Offered: July 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Vintage report: 2015 was a great vintage in Bierzo, producing ripe, balanced reds with good ageing potential.

Drinking window: It is drinking perfectly now, with fresh acidity and soft tannins but will continue to age well through to 2022.

Food matching: An excellent match for barbecued meats, charcuterie or cassoulet.

90 points on www.robertparker.com