This is a big wine. Lots of black fruits on the nose, along with a grapiness that I presume is from the Carinena. There is also the graphite minerality I often get from Priorat, a bit of smoky, toasty oak, and a little red fruit (raspberry, cranberry). The fruit is somewhat fresh but also somewhat jammy. The palate explodes with red and black fruits, but mainly red fruit: raspberry, red cherry, cranberry. Beyond that, it is very similar to the nose, with the oak and the grape flavor. The tartness and fairly high acidity do provide balance, but overall, there seems to be just a bit of awkwardness to this wine, as if maybe it has been overacidified. There is that Sweet Tart aspect to it. A nice wine, and a crowdpleaser for sure, but not for me. At least it remains true to its origin, unlike so many Cabernet tasting Priorats these days. good/very good?
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Not a huge nose. Mild on the tannins but nice finish. I did not expect to like this as much as I did but great wine. I'm headed back to get a case. For a Thursday night it doesn't get better for the price point. The berry notes are just amazing.
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Smooth and substantial. No "earthiness" here; nothing raspy. Didn't notice any tannins. Very clean while also powerful. Entirely ready to drink now. Very good.
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I do not readily give out mid-90 scores for ready-to-drink wines. However, there is just no avoiding it here. Deep ruby in color, this wine is a wild ride. There’s no carbonation, but the flavors certainly pop. Fellow tasters described it as “spritzy,” “zesty” and “pepper on strawberries.” It has a wonderful combination of earth (“slate”), spice and fruit, with maybe even a tinge of chocolate. It’s hard to say how this wine might improve over the next few years, because it is absolutely ready to drink right now. Open it, let it breathe for an hour, then embark on a hedonistic rollercoaster. An absolute winner.
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Dark, deep color. Rich and expressive Priorat, with medium tannins and a nice finish. Even better on day 2, with rounder tannins and good balance. Great QPR.
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delicious fruit, balanced, medium bodied, great finish. Don't have a ton of experience with Priorat, but I'd call this way New World. Not getting earth, gravel or the like. Maybe not Priorat-ish in classic sense but satisfied the Zin lover in me. Hard to imagne it evolves much from here.
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Same here, really wasn't expecting much and totally exceeded my expectations. Dark, deep color. Rich and expressive Priorat, with nice finish. Great QPR.
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Really exceeded my expectations. Nose of dark fruits and brambles. Lots of blackberry mixed with pomegranate with a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. This wine has serious legs. Great QPR.
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This is one tough wine. Tasting note after bottle was opened 3 days ago, stored under cork, and driven up and back to a ski resort (San Diego to Mammoth Mountain).
Deep and beautiful purple color. Nice earthy and blueberry nose with a touch of sweet flowers. Berry and currant flavor with a tart acidic (unripe orange) finish. This really reminds me of d'Arenberg's "The Laughing Magpie" (Aussie Shiraz/Viognier blend). Well done and a definite re-buy at $18USD.
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11/11/2021 - no leashes wrote: 89 Points
Still showing good life, paired with well seasoned pork meatballs and worked perfectly.
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1/12/2015 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Dark berry, spice, pepper, earth and mineral flavors, very nicely balanced. Smooth and delicious.
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11/28/2014 - Sijan Likes this wine: 89 Points
Good fruit. Very good acid. Good QPR
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5/5/2014 - no leashes wrote: 91 Points
Delicious at any price, but at this price it is fabulous. Smooth, rich texture, nice balance. Black fruit, with spice flavors. Drinking nicely.
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3/7/2014 - jackaroo Likes this wine: 91 Points
To paraphrase every real estate agent, it's all about value, value, value. This one hits a home run!
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6/18/2013 - millerarner Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very solid value
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1/20/2013 - millerarner Likes this wine: 91 Points
Interesting personality. Need to try again when I can give it more attention.
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1/5/2013 - missatiejacket Does not like this wine:
This is a big wine. Lots of black fruits on the nose, along with a grapiness that I presume is from the Carinena. There is also the graphite minerality I often get from Priorat, a bit of smoky, toasty oak, and a little red fruit (raspberry, cranberry). The fruit is somewhat fresh but also somewhat jammy. The palate explodes with red and black fruits, but mainly red fruit: raspberry, red cherry, cranberry. Beyond that, it is very similar to the nose, with the oak and the grape flavor. The tartness and fairly high acidity do provide balance, but overall, there seems to be just a bit of awkwardness to this wine, as if maybe it has been overacidified. There is that Sweet Tart aspect to it. A nice wine, and a crowdpleaser for sure, but not for me. At least it remains true to its origin, unlike so many Cabernet tasting Priorats these days. good/very good?
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12/31/2012 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is such a great value wine!
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5/31/2012 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 92 Points
Not a huge nose. Mild on the tannins but nice finish. I did not expect to like this as much as I did but great wine. I'm headed back to get a case. For a Thursday night it doesn't get better for the price point. The berry notes are just amazing.
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5/13/2012 - ID wrote:
Smooth and substantial. No "earthiness" here; nothing raspy. Didn't notice any tannins. Very clean while also powerful. Entirely ready to drink now. Very good.
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4/19/2012 - AngusRocks wrote: 94 Points
I do not readily give out mid-90 scores for ready-to-drink wines. However, there is just no avoiding it here. Deep ruby in color, this wine is a wild ride. There’s no carbonation, but the flavors certainly pop. Fellow tasters described it as “spritzy,” “zesty” and “pepper on strawberries.” It has a wonderful combination of earth (“slate”), spice and fruit, with maybe even a tinge of chocolate. It’s hard to say how this wine might improve over the next few years, because it is absolutely ready to drink right now. Open it, let it breathe for an hour, then embark on a hedonistic rollercoaster. An absolute winner.
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3/23/2012 - sieraski wrote: 90 Points
Loved it. Rich and spicy. Great finish. I want more!
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2/25/2012 - folsomarndt wrote: 90 Points
Dark, deep color. Rich and expressive Priorat, with medium tannins and a nice finish. Even better on day 2, with rounder tannins and good balance. Great QPR.
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2/1/2012 - kchwd wrote: 90 Points
delicious fruit, balanced, medium bodied, great finish. Don't have a ton of experience with Priorat, but I'd call this way New World. Not getting earth, gravel or the like. Maybe not Priorat-ish in classic sense but satisfied the Zin lover in me. Hard to imagne it evolves much from here.
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12/24/2011 - suchitoto Likes this wine:
ate with pernil, arroz con gandules and steamed brussels sprouts. decanted it for two hours.
There is a beautiful darkness at the bottom of this wine. The top and middle have fruits and spice. Just had one glass. will try again today.
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11/6/2011 - folsomarndt wrote: 90 Points
Same here, really wasn't expecting much and totally exceeded my expectations. Dark, deep color. Rich and expressive Priorat, with nice finish. Great QPR.
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10/8/2011 - lewisrise wrote: 92 Points
Really exceeded my expectations. Nose of dark fruits and brambles. Lots of blackberry mixed with pomegranate with a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. This wine has serious legs. Great QPR.
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7/7/2011 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Really good on day two. Eased in, fleshy, not over done or massive stuff. Very tasty indeed.
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7/6/2011 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Supply chain Priorat. Works well at $20. Very tasty without being overdone.
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6/14/2011 - ksde wrote: 90 Points
A nice, young, expressive, rich Priorat. Great QPR. Will improve with bottle age.
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5/16/2011 - Racer117 wrote: 89 Points
This is one tough wine. Tasting note after bottle was opened 3 days ago, stored under cork, and driven up and back to a ski resort (San Diego to Mammoth Mountain).
Deep and beautiful purple color. Nice earthy and blueberry nose with a touch of sweet flowers. Berry and currant flavor with a tart acidic (unripe orange) finish. This really reminds me of d'Arenberg's "The Laughing Magpie" (Aussie Shiraz/Viognier blend). Well done and a definite re-buy at $18USD.
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5/12/2011 - Vinomark wrote: 89 Points
Decent Priorat, but a lighter style with only a little of that tar, tobacco, schist wrapped around the dark fruits. Good QPR for low $20's.
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