2011 Dominio do Bibei "Lalama" Ribeira Sacra

Dominio do Bibei is a project based in the Bibei valley in Ribeira Sacra, Northwest Spain. The vines are located on terraced clay and slate vineyards, biodynamically farmed, and the wine vinified in concrete eggs and variously shaped used oak barrels. Since the primary grape, Mencia (tiny quantities of Mouraton and Garnacha Tintorera are blended in), tends naturally towards reduction, this style of winemaking seems to make perfect sense to create balanced, elegant wines. The winery believes that new barrels do not do their wines any favors - a refreshing change of pace from how many view oak aging. Organically cultivated fruit on beautiful vineyards, biodynamic practices, thoughtful winemaking...this is a wine worth trying! The folks at Dominio do Bibei believe that 2011 may well be the best red wine vintage they have yet to have. Time will tell but this is delicious now and promises to age nicely over the next 4 to 5 years. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)