The 2008 Selección Familiar is pure Mencía from selected plots of old vines aged for 18 months in a combination of French, Russian and American barrels. It feels a little, old-styled with the oak at the forefront, notes of varnished wood, vanilla and a lactic touch over the core of ripe fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, denoting some excess tannins that detract from it's drinkability giving it a final, slightly harsh finish. There is good fruit there but it seems overshadowed by the oak. Give it some more time in bottle so it tries to digest the wood. 5,000 bottles.

The 2007 Seleccion Familiar, from 70- to 90-year-old Mencia vineyards is aged for 18 months in a combination of French, Russian and American barrels and a further 15 months in bottle. It has a familiar note of the local cured beef, cecina, which is both smoky and spicy, some straw and hay notes and very ripe fruit. The palate feels briary, with plenty of cinnamon and vanilla and good length. Drink 2014-2019. Bodegas Peique is a family business created in 1999 by the Peique family in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, where they have been making wine for over 90 years. These old families have quite extensive vineyard holdings, and in the case of the Peiques, it is 40 hectares, located in the village of Valtuille de Abajo at altitudes ranging from 450 to 600 meters. They harvest some 230,000 kilograms of grapes, with which they produce a wide range, but the quantities for most of the wines are quite limited; the lions-share of the production, 180,000 bottles, is for the unoaked Tinto Mencia. Imported by Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811

A thick texture carries plum, coffee, orange peel and spice flavors in this ripe red. The tannins are firm and a bit coarse, giving this version a slightly rustic character. Shows concentration and character. Drink now through 2018. 50 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Bierzo Select to Add

The 2006 Seleccion Familiar was sourced from 70-90 year old vines and aged for 18 months in new, mostly French oak. Aromas of underbrush, brier, balsamic, boysenberry, and earthy minerals inform the nose of a wine with exceptional finesse, intensity, and proportion. Give this lengthy effort 3-4 years to fully blossom and drink it from 2013 to 2021. Bodegas Peique is a 22 acre estate in the village of Valtuille de Abajo that began producing its own wine in 1999. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; Tel: (303) 495-3811

The 2005 Seleccion Familiar was sourced from 90-year-old vines and aged for 18 months in 80% new, mostly French oak. A big step up from its younger siblings, it proffers an already complex, sophisticated perfume of sandalwood, pencil lead, incense, violets, black raspberry, and black cherry. In the mouth it has outstanding volume, intense flavors, impeccable balance, and 4-5 years of aging potential. It is a wine that appeals to both the intellect and the senses. The Bodegas Peique wines are 100% Mencia sourced from their 22 acre hillside estate. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811