Priorat is een van de beste streken uit Spanje met steeds betere kwaliteitswijnen. Dat blijkt ook weer uit de laatste proeverij van Wine Spectator. Veel 90+ wijnen in Priorat.
Priorat stands apart in Spain. This small, mountainous region, just north of Tarragona near the Mediterranean, benefits from a distinctive slate soil called llicorella. The vineyards feature an unusual blend of grapes—old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
The red wines of Priorat offer a unique profile of elegance and concentration. Vintners there can often over-perform in underwhelming vintages. 2004, for example, was good to very good throughout most of Spain. A cool summer and some late-season rains led to lighter wines, though generally better-balanced than those of the extremely hot 2003 vintage. But Priorat has produced some real winners in 2004.
Here are a half-dozen standouts from my recent blind tastings in Wine Spectator’s New York office.
Wine Score Price
CLOS BERENGUER Priorat Selecció 2004 93 $60
Aromatic, expressive and alluring, this velvety red is thick with kirsch, blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors that are deep and harmonious. Yet the supporting tannins are well-integrated and there’s enough acidity to keep it lively. Grenache, Carignane, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. 25 cases imported. — T.M.
CELLER MAS DOIX Priorat Costers de Vinyes Velles 2004 93 $115
Elegance and intensity mark this alluring red. The raspberry and cherry flavors are ripe, fresh and expressive, with floral and mineral notes and just enough vanilla oak for polish. Ripe, firm tannins promise fine development. Drink now through 2015. 700 cases imported. — T.M.
MELIS Priorat 2004 93 $90
This red shows impressive concentration. It’s full-bodied, with ripe, dark flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, anise and coffee. Mouthfilling tannins need time to soften. Best from 2008 through 2018. 300 cases imported. — T.M.
CELLER CAL PLA Priorat Planots Vinyes Velles 2004 91 $100
This expressive red offers an alluring mix of coffee, kirsch, black cherry, prune and light earthy flavors, with velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Not heavy, but makes an impact. Drink now through 2012. 300 cases imported. — T.M.
CLOS BERENGUER Priorat Vi de Guarda 2002 91 $40
This expressive red shows kirsch and strawberry jam flavors, enlivened by herbal and citrus notes and supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. Grenache, Carignane and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases imported. — T.M.
CLOS FIGUERES Priorat 2004 90 $68
This harmonious red marries ripe fruit and firm tannins, with blackberry, coffee and mineral notes. It’s balanced and quite concentrated, but needs time to bloom. Best after 2007. 460 cases were made. — T.M.
Bron: Wine Spectator
Lees ook:Oogstbericht 2003: Spanje
Lees ook:Oogstbericht 2004: Chili, Pinot Noir en Syrah
Lees ook:Oogstbericht 2004: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Lees ook:Oogstbericht 2001: Barbaresco, geweldig!
Lees ook:Oogstbericht 2004: Elzas