North London TWS Group Does Priorat in N8

Second of two expertly curated tasters of some of the vinous highlights of Priorat; a region I have neglected for far too long. Huge chapeau to our organiser for the inspiration and sourcing the majority of these wine in Catalunya and arranging their shipping to the UK. Also for hosting this tasting with some fabulous grub.

• 2021 Celler Cal Pla Priorat Mas d'en Compte Blanc 91 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Cracking nose here. Reminds me of a classy Northern Rhône Marsanne / Roussanne blend. Honey, almonds, with air some nougat and orange blossom. Palate is oily and once more with a nuttiness I enjoy. Lovely freshness too. Some florals build through the mid palate there is some dry sesame seed and a couple of ppm of quinine on the finish. Yum

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• 2023 Celler Vall Llach Priorat Porrera Vi de Vila Blanco 92 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Lots going on on the nose here. It's a little musky with marzipan, pear skin and some yellow flowers kicking things off on the nose. With air, there are some some smoked chicken savoury notes, a touch of sweeter elderflower cordial and, in the margins, a couple of ppm of pine resin. The palate like all of our white this evening has a great texture. There are orange blossom and sourdough crumb on entry with some toasted sesame seed building through the mid palate with some sourish dried apricot on the finish. For the first time tonight do notice a little heat on the final sip as it has warmed up.

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• 2023 Terroir Al Limit Soc. Lda. Priorat Terra de Cuques 92 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Sourdough crumb, orange zest, nougat, tarragon, jasmine and rose petal vie for your attention on the nose. With air a lovely savoury chicken roasting juice character emerges. Palate is dry and oily in texture. There's some mandarin on the mid palate and a touch of apricot kernel bitterness on the finish. Classy stuff.

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• 2023 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Vi de Vila Gratallops 91 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Smoky bramble fruit and dark chocolate dipped strawberries on the nose here. There is some citrus lift in the margins and some hung pheasant decay. With air, some plum fruit and a couple of ppm of strawberry shortcake sweetness emerge. The palate is serious yet approachable and joyous. Gently spiced red fruits mark the mid palate and build through to the finish where a hint of coffee and walnut sponge cake appears. Good acids and very more-ish.

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• 2019 Mas Martinet Priorat Clos Martinet 93 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  First of the reds is lovely; there's a modicum of brett from the get go but it's complementary rather than dominating and right in my wheelhouse. There is some cedar which momentarily might point someone to Bordeaux had this been served blind but air sees the Grenache like characteristics develop. There a hints of mint and also chocolate in the margins. The palate opens with cassis and baking spices. It feels early window but already in a good place. Some cherry fruit and tart cranberry build through the mid palate; there's a twist of orange on the charming and long finish.

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• 1994 Clos Mogador Priorat 93 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Fully mature and a real treat to try at this age. The nose has cherry fruit, some marrons glacés and hints of chocolate sponge cake in the margins. Palate beautifully balance with with gentle plum fruit and some ground white pepper. Softly spoken but it really speaks to me. Charming

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• 2006 Celler Vall Llach Priorat Vall Llach 93 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Nose has lots going on; blueberries, grenadine cordial, also some old fashioned bitter Cadbury's cocoa powder and some chestnut brazier smoky nutty sweetness. Palate is dry meaty and big. There are some chocolate nibs, dark cherry, anise and a discernable alcohol derived heat.

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• 2001 Mas Doix Priorat Costers de Vinyes Velles 93 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Different from, but hard to separate qualitatively from, the 1994 Clos Mogador I enjoyed alongside it, this has a plum fruit and bitter chocolate quality initially on the nose. Alongside this there is some autumnal leaf mulch, something ferrous and some properly high, hung pheasant. Touches of cranberry and kirsch with air. Palate has great acids and whilst charming it's a notch or two behind that incredible nose. The acid backbone is impressive and provides a great frame for the spicy plum fruit that fills the mid palate through to a finish with some Christmas potpouri interest. Once again and not unexpectedly there is a touch of heat on the very end as it warms.

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• 2022 En Numeros Vermells Garnatxa Blanca Del Carlos 91 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Enjoyed with cheese at the end of the evening. Tart apricots and nougat on the nose. Savoury chicken roasting juices, some ripe apple and a touch of cassis too. Palate is texturally similar to the other whites with some wheat cracker bass notes and tart apricot kernel. With air just a touch of elderflower cordial. Enjoyable end to proceedings.

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Wasn't sure if elevated alcohol levels would affect the experience but they weren't even at play for the majority of the wines and those that were at the higher end, whilst noticeable on a couple of occasions, the elevated ABVs did not in any way to spoil the experience. Top evening and both enjoyable and educational.