| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Spain > Castilla y León > Bierzo |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The young 2022 Ultreia Saint Jacques was selected from 10 vineyards, mostly cooler places because of the warmer year. The nose is harmonious and subtle, and it doesn't show any excess ripeness or heat. In fact, it is most impressive. It fermented with 100% full clusters and matured in used oak—barrels and foudres—for 14 months. The palate is medium-bodied, with a juicy texture and very fine tannins. It has a lot of fruit, but with time, it develops more complexity, with notes of fennel and aromatic herbs. There are some 240,000 bottles of this. So, availability should not be a problem. 2024 - 2029
Raúl Pérez’s Ultreia Saint Jacques is made from another old vineyard, having been planted between 1910 and 1940. Like most very old vineyards in Bierzo, it is made from a field blend composed of primarily Mencía, augmented by small percentages of Garnacha Tintorera and Bastardo. The 2022 version comes in at 13.5 percent octane and delivers a superb bouquet of dark berries, coffee bean, grilled meats, tree bark, sweet stem tones, a fine base of dark soil, woodsmoke and a deft framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and complex, with a fine core of ripe fruit, very good soil undertow, well-integrated tannins and a long, beautifully balanced and very promising finish. 2035-2075+
The 2022 USJ continues its strong run of form as contender for value red of the year. 2022 is a warm vintage, and you can see that in the glass and feel it in the nose, with a mid ruby colour and redolent fragrance of violets but also dark cherry and a touch of rosemary and white pepper spice from an element of wholebunch. The palate has lightly chalky tannins, bringing structure, savour and salinity, but the fruit builds on top, bursting with berries and cherries. As with all fine Mencia, there is a floral accent and brightness of acidity that lifts everything and keeps you coming back for more. A juicy, textural and layered wine, it is remarkable that this remains such good value for money. Excellent. Drink over the coming 5+ years.
