Les Crestes 2016 75cl

Grapes from younger vines are used for the 2016 Les Crestes, which is also released earlier. It's a blend of Garnacha with 20% Cariñena and 10% Syrah matured in second use French oak barrels for eight months. 2016 was a dry growing season saved by a cooler September with some rain, which resulted in a relaxed and long harvest of grapes with good ripeness and acidity. It's young, tender and aromatic, a gentle Priorat with a juicy palate and a fresh personality. Really attractive and pleasant. 48,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2017.<br/>Poboleda is another village where Cariñena excels, and the 1902 old-vine cuvée from Mas Doix can be a very good example. If last time I was delighted because I had two vintages of that wine, this time I got three! Could it be that they are selling at a faster pace now?

Much cooler and more complex than most Priorat reds, this has aromas of fresh cherries, anise and smoke. Makes quite a bold and weighty impression on the palate. The dry tannins build quite steadily, not dominating until the finish. Drink or hold.

Lean and firm, this red shows a savory side, with forest floor, tar and sanguine notes framing black cherry and cranberry flavors. Crisp acidity supports the polished texture. A bit austere, but energetic. Drink now through 2024. 504 cases imported.  –TM