Luna Beberide, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) Mencía 2013

 Luna Beberide’s "Art" bottling of Mencía is always very good, even if over-shadowed by Paixar, another wine made at this bodega but in collaboration with Eduardo and Alberto García.  I opened the 2013 releases of these two wines at the same time, and at the very outset, "Art" was just as appealing in overall terms, which is pretty damned impressive.  Quite deeply colored (actually slightly more deeply pigmented to my eye than the Paixar), it showed complex aromas and layered flavors with very good integration of oak.  Light mineral tinges in the finish were very appealing, and there was more than enough persistence to the fruit flavors (black plum and Bing cherry) to outlast the tannins and wood.  The Paixar surpassed "Art" when its minerality kicked into high gear with aeration, ultimately becoming considerably more intricate, but this is still a terrific wine that will be much easier to find and $30 less expensive.  If you see it, buy it.