Raúl Pérez {Part 1}: My Evening with Raúl Pérez

We had just finished pulling our last corks to cap another miraculous Wednesday night. Legs tired from running 3 miles in that 2,000 square foot space. Coming right off of the mountain from the first day of spring skiing and 5,000 vertical feet. That all didn’t matter because an opportunity of a lifetime was awaiting. I grabbed my jacket and charged once again into that cool March night with the stars and the moon guiding me back towards the gondola. This time not for sport and pleasure, but for knowledge and taste.

Walk right to the front door of the Little Nell Hotel. Lights dim, bellman half asleep and vacuums resetting for the day that lies ahead. Stroll into Element 47 though a dark empty living room and pass the last patrons enjoying their nightcaps with smiles. Go right through the doors leading to the kitchen, enter a back hallway and take two flights of stairs down to the parking garage. 100 feet further I finally arrive and the real journey starts.

I hang my jacket, loosen my tie and enter that tiny dark red room easily missed if you didn’t know it existed. Oh well, your loss. 

The first thought that crosses my mind is, “Who is Raúl Pérez?” I’ve seen an article in Wine Spectator, read some more in Wine Advocate, and seen his face appear studying the obscure regions of Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, Spain. But, “Why?” “What makes him tick?” more importantly. I grab a glass from the table a bio sheet about the man and his legendary wines then work my way through the crowd of 30 or so In a room that fits 10 comfortably to secure a space right next to him.

I start off with a handshake and thank him for his. He proceeds to ask, “Where is your glass?” in broken English with a thick Spanish accent. Then the real experience begins.