Paixar, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) Mencia 2011

I’ve tasted every vintage of this Paixar ever made — with the single exception of 2010 — and regard it as one of Spain’s very best wines (and consequently one of the world’s best also).  The 2011 rendition shows typically impressive pigment concentration, and the first aromatic impression is of toasty oak.  Beneath the oak, subtle scents of anise, exotic spices and wood smoke prove quite alluring.  Medium-plus body is standard for Paixar and that’s what the 2011 shows; there’s richness and substance, but no sense of heaviness.  Dark berry fruit notes predominate, but there’s also a bright, fresh streak to the wine that also lends a suggestion of red fruits, and the overall impression is one of purity and precision.  On the palate and in the finish, oak remains rather prominent, but the proportions of oak, fruit and tannin are just right, and those who can give this the 10 years of ageing that it deserves will get a great wine in return for their patience.  If that seems like a lot to ask, remember that this is how you’d be advised to treat a $70 bottle of Bordeaux, and trust me:  This will turn out to be a much better wine than anything you’ll get from Bordeaux for $70.