The 2018 Luna Beberide Paixar is a highly acclaimed red wine from the Bierzo sub-region of Castilla y Leon, Spain. This proprietary blend, primarily composed of old-vine Mencía, is crafted by Luna Beberide and showcases the unique terroir of the slate soils of Dragonte (Corullón) at elevations between 700 to 950 meters. The wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.0%.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates the 2018 Paixar an impressive 96 points. Reviewer LG describes it as "captivating" with "violets, wild berries and raspberry leaves." The wine demonstrates a "modern and clean profile" while retaining its powerful and energetic character. LG praises the "sophistication, elegance, and nuance" found in this vintage, noting that it is possibly "the finest vintage of Paixar to date."
Vinous gives a slightly lower score of 95 points, with Josh Raynolds highlighting its "deep, glistening violet" color and "highly perfumed bouquet" of spice-accented red and blue fruits. Raynolds notes the "palate-staining" flavors of black raspberry, cherry, and boysenberry, with "candied violet, mocha, and Asian spice flourishes." The wine's finish is described as "strikingly persistent" with "well-knit tannins and clinging florality."
John Gilman from View From The Cellar awards the wine 94 points, emphasizing its "fine young bouquet" and "superb core of old vine fruit." He mentions the wine's "dark berries, cigar smoke, and anise" notes, with a "superb base of dark soil tones." Gilman praises its "excellent mineral drive," "ripe tannins," and "long, well-balanced and gently peppery finish," concluding that it is an "outstanding Mencía."
Overall, the 2018 Luna Beberide Paixar is a sophisticated and elegant wine with exceptional reviews, showcasing the depth and character of old-vine Mencía.