2005 Mas Doix Priorat

This exotic blend of the local favorites Grenache and Carignana is blended with a tiny bit of Merlot for a bit of an international flair, but this wine is unmistakably Priorat. Perfect weather throughout the growing season made Priorat's 2005 vintage OUTSTANDING. Many producers say it was the finest since 1998. There are only 700 cases of this wine brought into the U.S. (98 Points) The 2005 Costers de Vinas Viejas is aged for 16 months in new French oak. The wine is a blend of 50% Carinena, 48% Garnacha, and 2% Merlot. Purple-colored, it has an other-worldly perfume of pain grille, grilled meat, spice cabinet, espresso, mineral, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This is followed by a powerful, masculine, intense Priorat with gobs of flavor, 8-10 years of cellaring potential, and a very long finish. It will be at its peak from 2018 to 2040. Wine Advocate # 175, Feb 2008