Adega Damm Amandi’s Viña Vidal “Cazoga” 2023 comes from the Amandi subzone of Ribeira Sacra, in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Ribeira Sacra is defined by its steep, terraced vineyards above the Sil and Miño rivers—an environment often described as “heroic viticulture” because much of the work is necessarily done by hand on very sharp slopes. Within the region, Amandi is particularly associated with schist- and slate-influenced sites and concentrated yet fresh expressions of Mencía, the area’s leading red variety. For this bottling, the label positioning suggests a focused, site-driven wine, though technical details for the 2023 vintage (including confirmed blend, élevage, alcohol, and production volume) have not been publicly documented.

The strongest and only published professional assessment located is an excellent review from Vinous. Joaquín Hidalgo awarded the 2023 Vidal de la Viña Cazoga 95 points, calling it “Mencía from Amandi, Ribeira Sacra,” and highlighting both intensity and balance. He describes “intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, white pepper and violet,” a set of markers that places the wine squarely in the modern Ribeira Sacra profile: ripe dark and red fruit, lifted florals, and spice rather than overt weight.

On the palate, Hidalgo emphasizes structure and drinkability in tandem, noting a “juicy, grippy palate with medium freshness and lively red fruit.” That combination suggests a wine with clear tannin presence—enough to give shape and traction—while maintaining energy rather than heaviness. He also characterizes it as “expressive, with delicate richness,” a useful phrase for setting expectations: concentration without losing detail.

The wine’s overall impression, per Vinous, is distinctive enough to confuse expectations. Hidalgo writes that “an unsuspecting taster might mistake this for a high-altitude Malbec,” pointing to the Cazoga 2023’s depth of fruit and savory edge, delivered in a bright, structured Ribeira Sacra frame.