Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A polished and very resolved wine in a flavorsome dark berry fruited guise with gently leafy and savory elements. The palate has deeply ripe and velvety tannins carrying spiced dried cherry flavor.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The new 2015 L'Estel was also available for tasting when I encountered their wines for a second occasion. This blend of Garnacha, Syrah and old Cariñena is a selection from their best vineyards from a warm and healthy vintage. The different varieties were fermented separately in stainless steel and oak vats. There is a creamy note here with some spices and a core of red and some black fruit. 2015 was a very warm and dry vintage and the wine shows surprisingly fresh for those conditions. There is great harmony and balance here with a more commercial profile that makes it easier to understand by a wider audience than say, La Peluda.
Rating: 90+
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The highest wine growing zone in Spanish Cataluña, Terra Alta is south of Priorat and Montsant. Here growers are following the trends of Priorat, recovering Garnacha blanca vines for white wines and focusing on quality red blends.