Score : 88+/100
This Priorat wine by Cellers (Catalan for winery, or cellar) Clos Figueres is a blend of 60% Grenache (or Garnacha Tinta), 20% Carignan (Cariñena in Spanish), 10% Syrah, and the remainder 20% made from Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fermentation was run in 2500-litre tanks under controlled temperature, with daily pigeage (punch downs). After fermentation, maceration on skins lasted for about a further two weeks, which is rather long, allowing and both extract more of and round up the tannic structure.
Maturation then happened in 300- and 500-litre French oak barrels for another 12 months, before bottling.
Tasting Notes
This Priorat red comes indeed in a bright red color, quite dark but very shiny to the rim with slight purple hues.
The nose is rather intense, lifted and fruity, also with plenty of peppery spices.
With an oxidative edge, the aromatic profile displays bright notes of green apple and ripe red berries, such as blackberry and cheery. A touch of dark cocoa and slight smoky tones recall of oak barrels aging, while white and black pepper notes lift up the sensation and the smell’s appeal.
On the palate, the wine strikes by its crisp and intense acidity for a ripe dark red, which lifts and brightens the fresh red fruit flavors that are dominant and quite pungent.
After this red fruit burst, come the oaky tones that complement the wine’s very smooth tannins well, for a velvety and slightly sweet impression from toasted hazelnut and vanilla flavors.
The finish reveals the spices: clove and nutmeg, and the peppery notes again… making the wine end on an almost chili-like sensation.
Overall
A delightful fruity Priorat red with great acidity and youthful primary fruit dominant flavors giving an approachable style. Yet it delivers a relatively wide spectrum of sensation with subtle oaky notes and lifted spices.
Powerfully-flavored, yet subtle, with an elegant body and very smooth tannins.
A Catalan wine that is easy to love, and enjoy.
Cheers 🙂
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