July 6, 2019 - Nice wine from Spain. Pnp. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah blend. This shall not take you to Rhône, another place where such a blend is common, as the winemaking style is deeply rooted in the brooding style of Spain. Deep garnet color and medium bodied. Notes of tobacco, raspberries, chocolate, black pepper. Unmistakable presence of tannins, which are integrated and, alongwith some acidity, give the wine a fairly long and dry finish.
The wine tries to make the old world style a little more approachable. To which, there is a part of me that wishes it had stayed truer to its roots. I would not want to give the impression that this wine is some fruit bomb that is easily enjoyed because, while it does try to straddle the old and the new world of wines, it ends up leaning squarely in favor of the old world style than the new. It is hence recommended to give this wine the company of food, perhaps a steak or nibbles like jamon, which will smooth out its presence on the palate. Despite being 13 years old, it is still a delight to drink, but I would not keep this much longer in the cellar. The wine shows that somethings do get better with age, which is made poignant by the fact that this was a gift from an old friend and his lovely wife. It is to them that I raise my glass.
P.S. A real test of a wine is how it performs the day after its opening. Many wines, even some good ones, wilt the next day. For this wine what comes to mind is the song “What a difference a day makes.” The tannins have receded. The fruit has come forward. Every thing is integrated. The training wheels support of food is no longer needed. Very enjoyable and approachable now. Increasing the score by a point. Decanting for a few hours before imbibing highly recommended. WA 90 pts rating was on to something.
February 7, 2017 - Says "red fruits, chocolate and vanilla" on the bottle, and that's pretty much what it is -with perhaps American oak vanilla being the predominant of the three and the red fruit being a bit candied. Moderately rich mouth feel. Could use some additional acidity for balance, but the it does have some decent tannic structure that is stopping it from coming across as overly round and flabby.
October 23, 2016 - Always expect much from a Priorat, but this wasn't bad especially for the price. Smooth and a bit overly thin/tart but had a nice subtle tobacco on the finish. Not very robust to compliment food but a nice Wednesday night wine. Drink now. Cheers.
August 21, 2015 - Last bottle was best in this lot. Dark, full and silky smooth. Quite balanced and easy drinker. Last couple of bottles must have been in transition. Sometimes hard to say when a wine is ready to drink.
June 12, 2015 - What a fantastic buy for 10 bones. Pretty consistent w/ my notes from 2012, but no candied element and a bit of dried fruit in the mix this time. Drinking well now, but I suspect it's rounded the corner for the downslope and would prob. drink these sooner than later at this point.
February 9, 2014 - Nothing has changed since my last bottle. Great qpr.
November 2, 2013 - Some fruit but seems to have lost some of its vibrancy.
August 15, 2013 - This is quite amazing for an entry level Priorat. Every time we open a bottle it's more evolved than the last, demonstrating that it's age worthy. Nice qpr, nice wine.
July 2, 2013 - Smooth and ready. Nice food wine. No need to decant if you have the proper stemware.
April 6, 2013 - Improved some since I last drank it in 2011. A bit more fuller and rounder. Shared with friends who liked it.