Community Tasting Note
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Old Doug wrote: 94 points
August 30, 2014 - 2008 Clos Mogador. Priorat. So, there's this French guy, Rene Barbier, and in the 1980s he goes to Catalonia, Spain, and starts a vineyard on a big pile of slate rocks. It's an interesting area, one with a lot of history behind it, including one former Count of Barcelona, "Wilfred the Hairy."
The wine is made by blending Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with Grenache. This is not just any Grenache, this is a concentrated, powerful thing from vines which truly struggle amongst the rocks, giving tiny yields.
A very deep garnet in the glass, thin lighter rim around the outside. Swirl it up high to see a lively ruby color mixed with amethyst and blue sapphire. Warm red fruits on the nose, along with cool blueberries, some spicy notes, tobacco and bit of leather.
14.5% alcohol: I noticed it upon first opening the bottle. With decanting, I think this would go away, as far as the nose. Swirling the glass a little did it for me. On the palate, it doesn't go away so fast, but it's merely present, rather than being all that harmfully intrusive. More bottle age should tone it down and integrate it, bringing this wine fully into its own.
The palate: really big fruit, red, purple, a nice smokiness leading into the white pepper heat of Grenache, initially made greater by the alcohol. Good acidity and tannins, really smooth for such a young "big" wine. I have no doubt this wine can go 25 years or more, but it's quite approachable right now.
One glass left for 7 hours had totally gotten rid of the "too hot" sense from alcohol, and was polarized somewhat - a cherry taste was prominent, leaving most other "lighter ends" and red fruits behind, joining an ocean of dark plum and blackberry, even liquorice. Acidity and tannis continue to be beautiful - really a pleasurable wine.4 people found this helpful 3,524 views