Adega Algueira Ribeira Sacra Pizarra 2014

93 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2014 Pizarra is named after the slate soils where the Mencía grapes are grown, and it's one of the more classical wines in the portfolio. It has a more developed nose (it's also a little older than the rest) that combines varietal aromas with notes of wild herbs, spices and smoke, something earthy and more-complex aromas of dried leaves and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied and very tasty, with clean and intense flavors, fine tannins and a savory finish. It's very approachable, but it should continue its life in bottle for a few more years. Drink: 2019-2023. (Feb 2019)"

93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Limpid ruby. Expressive, mineral-accented cherry, black raspberry and violet pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of exotic spices and licorice. Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering intense dark berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show excellent clarity and spicy lift. Displays appealing sweetness on an impressively long, juicy finish that features repeating smoky minerality and subtle, slow-building tannins. (Fermented in large, French oak vats and aged in neutral French oak barrels.) Drink: 2020-2029. (Mar 2019)"

93 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "(mencía). Colour: cherry, garnet rim. Nose: ripe fruit, wild herbs, spicy, toasty, fine reductive notes, earthy notes. Palate: balanced, spicy, long, fruity aftertaste. (2018)"

Producer notes: "Old-vine Mencía. With fragrant, violet-like florals and brambly blue and purple fruits, this wine has an air of freshness and finesse. The palate is really plush and supple and bathed in smoky dark cherry fruit flavors. Impressive. Drink now."