Laurel Clos I Terrasses Priorat 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon Collection by Philglas & Swiggot

  • Size: 750ml
  • Vintage: 2021
  • ABV: 14%
  • Origin: Priorat / Catalonia/Spain
  • Grapes: 75% Garnacha, 20% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Description

The top wine of Clos I Terrasses, Clos Erasmus, is one of the benchmarks of the area, and a reference in the country. The project was born in 1989, from being friends with a couple of local chancers, named Alvaro Palacios and Rene Barbier, who persuaded the owner, Daphne Glorian, that some old Garnacha vines on the local licorella (schist) soils might just make a decent bottle of wine. The first 10 vintages were made at Rene Barbier's Clos Mogador until Daphne purchased an old cellar.

The wines have gone from strength to strength, mixing the characteristic dense fruit, exotic spice and licorella minerality with a freshness and elegance that sets the wine apart from many of this grand appellation.

Due to the extreme hand selection of the grapes for Clos Erasmus, the nurturing of younger vines and certain barrels being declassified, the winery is able to produce a second wine, Laurel.

Sourced from 3 small vineyards in the Gratallops, this blend of Grenache, Syrah with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon is Clos I Terrasses’ second wine, made from the grapes from younger vines, or the occasional declassified barrel of top wine Clos Erasmus. But it is a thing of beauty unto itself, aged for 16-18 months in 20hl oak tanks, 228-litre French oak barrels and amphorae.

'The 2021 Laurel hails from Gratallops. It’s a blend of 75% Garnatxa and 25% Syrah. Aged for 16 months in oak barrels, this garnet-hued wine reveals cherry and sour cherry aromas, accompanied by herbs, dried owers and a subtle animal note. Dry and lean with heightened acidity, the compact, chalky palate lingers with a vibrant mouthfeel. This is a delicious Garnatxa from Priorat. ' 94pts, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous