2008 Clos Erasmus, Priorat

PRIORAT, Ribero del Duero and more Blockbuster reds guaranteed to impress CLOS ERASMUS, PRIORAT

Daphne Glorian, owner/winemaker of Clos Erasmus, is one of the pioneers of the PRIORAT appellation. Clos Erasmus was begun

with the purchase of some old vineyards of Garnacha by Daphne Glorian, who happened to be in the area visiting some friends. What started as a “fun” project in 1990 soon became a very serious endeavor as the Priorat and Clos Erasmus rapidly ascended to world-class wine status.

2008 CLOS ERASMUS Priorat 94 pts. $200 – Extremely limited.

Garnacha & Syrah. The Pinnacle of Priorat. Wild, intense aromas of blackberry, violet, clove & cadamom leap from the glass. Deep, intense flavors of juicy black fruits, bitter chocolate, and slate “llicorella” spine with floral notes continue in the very long, satisfyingly sappy finish. A Catalan masterpiece!

2008 CLOS ERASMUS “LAUREL” Priorat 92 pts. $60

Blend of 70% garnacha, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% syrah. “Laurel” is a blend of younger-vines and barrels that were not selected for Glorian’s top wine. Aromas of dark cherry and berry fruit, smoke, and spice. Very pretty and pleasing sour cherry fruit, dried violets with a lot of vibrant flavor and a lively finish.

1999 VINA SASTRE “Pago de Santa Cruz” Gran Reserva Ribera del Duero $105

Jesus Sastre is winemaker and vineyard manager of Vina Sastre, a benchmark estate in Ribera del Duero. The estate is committed to organic farming and biodynamic principles with the wines naturally made and bottled without fining or filtration.  “Made only in top vintages, the 1999 Pago Santa Cruz Gran Reserva was aged in seasoned oak for 34 months. It sports aromas of tar, licorice, lavender, Asian spices, and blackberry that lead to a structured, full-bodied, layered wine. With savory flavors, excellent volume and grip, and a lengthy, pure finish, it merits another 5-7 years of cellaring to optimally express itself. 93 pts.” -WA

2008 Bodegas El Nido CLIO Jumilla $60

A perennial 95 pt. wine (WA), Clio is rip-roaring brawn in a bottle made from 70% old-vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet, aged two+ years in new French & American oak! Previous vintage notes: “Dense, chewy, packed and stacked, the fruit quality is superb, the balance impeccable, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. Those who like unrestrained power and richness will adore it quite aside from the fact that it over-delivers for its relatively modest price.” -Wine Advocate

Clearly, a wine you should grasp with both hands. Que mas macho?