March 6, 2020 - A blend of Monastrell, Garnacha, the local specialty Garró, Cariñena, and Samsó (I wonder if this is Cinsaut, since Samsó is a synonym for both Cariñena and Cinsaut). The other local variety, Querol, has been in the blend only since the 2009 vintage. Aged for 18 months in new French oak barriques. Bottled in May 2000. Bottle #17651. 14% alcohol. Tasted blind.
Moderately opaque and somewhat developed blackish-red color with a mature russet hue and pale blood-red rim. The nose feels big, ripe and slightly smoky with aromas of wizened dark plums, cigar, some sweet blackcurrant tones, a little bit of leather, light tertiary notes of consommé and beef jerky, a hint of toasty oak spice and a touch of raisin. The wine is ripe, concentrated and rather chewy on the palate with a full body and intense flavors of black cherries, peppery spice, some savory gamey tones and a little bit of meaty umami, light notes of raisins and prunes, a hint of blood and a touch of sweet oak spice. The overall feel is rather robust and muscular, thanks to the high acidity and still ample and assertive tannins. The finish is quite noticeably tannins with a bit of alcohol warmth and rather robust flavors sour cherry bitterness, gamey meat, light earthy tones, a little bit of tertiary umami character, a hint of wizened blackcurrant and a touch of pruney fruit.
A very impressive, stern and broad-shouldered wine that certainly has a somewhat modern edge to it, but at the same time retains this kind of somewhat unpolished rusticity to its overall character. Comes across as not unlike a Priorat with some age. Although starting to show some age, there's still quite a bit of fruit left in the wine and the tannins could resolve a bit more, so I guess the wine could not only keep but also continue to develop for some years more. All in all, a positive effort and among the best Torres wines I've had thus far. Priced according to its quality at 65€.
May 3, 2019 - Seductive dark tones on the nose, dark ripe berries on the palate, sweet spices, mouldy earthiness, plums, pepper and hints of citrus and saltiness, still firm tannins which dry gums, the wine evolves in the glass and feels like tannins are gradually starting to take over and fruit is slowly starting to diminish, nevertheless a quite classy wine which is drinking well now, I liked this one a quite a bit.
March 20, 2012 - Dark medium bodied wine with complex flavors. Long finish and probably at the right time to drink.
February 11, 2009 - Very dark with only a bit of brick at the rim. Somewhat reserved on the nose, slow to open, not too intense, but the complexity is there - (ripe) red berries, provencal herbs, a hint of vanilla, tobacco - fresh, soft and pleasant if rather shy. Med+ to full body. Quite spicy, not too much of fruit on the palate. Refreshingly tannic, but maybe lacking a bit in acidity. Long aftertaste, tannic and peppery with liquorice notes. It was surprisingly closed for its age and got actually better the second day, so probably just needs more time.
December 28, 2008 - Christmas drinking; 12/24/2008-12/28/2008 (Hong Kong): This was chewy. Even after 2 hours, still chewy. Some dried currant and sticky toffee pudding. Would leave for a few more years.
August 24, 2008 - WIML92
No written notes. Great wine. Still a little tight on the nose and palate but with air really opened up to reveal nice notes of black licorice and dark fruits. Drink over the medium term. No rush here. Wish I had more.
October 11, 2007 - Torres tasting (Britannic Wine Club, Sunbury): From magnum. Very dense, full deep ruby. Savoury, smokey, densely fruity, slightly spicy, hint of animal. Freshm good acidity, savoury. Finishes quite short. Still quite tannic. Lovely acidity on the finish. Good I think but needs time - not showing too well at the moment (and not good vfm). **(**)