Verónica Ortega Bierzo ROC 2023

96 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The nose of the 2023 ROC is an explosion of aromatic herbs. It comes from two very old plots in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, planted with a field blend that includes around 8% Palomino and Doña Blanca white grapes that fermented with 100% full clusters in a 5,000-liter oak vat. It matured in a 3,400-liter troncoconic oak vat and in 500-liter barrels for two winters. It's very perfumed and elegant, developing high-pitched floral aromas with time in the glass and even hints of blood orange peel, denoting freshness. The wine comes in at 12.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.45, and it has a more ethereal profile, very fresh and elegant, clean and with a very fine thread and elegant tannins. These are the last grapes to be harvested in the Valtuille zone. It's superb! 5,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2025. Drink 2025-2034. (07/10/25)."

96 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2023 Roc is Mencía from two sandy parcels in Valtuille, Bierzo. This fermented with 100% stems. It opens with balsamic and violet aromas, joined by plum and soft floral notes. Ethereal and tense, the stems contribute to a compact, vertical structure with refreshing nuances in a vintage of clear expression. Drink 2025-2043. (09/25)."