2009 Mas Martinet, Priorat, Clos Martinet 6x75cl

Wine Advocate 97

The spellbinding 2009 Clos Martinet is a blend of 65% Garnacha (including some Garnacha Peluda), 18% Carinena, 11% Syrah and the rest a mixture of Cabernet and Merlot, although these are being replanted with traditional varieties such as Garnacha. Interestingly, it was aged in concrete tank for 24 months rather than oak in order to retain the essence of terroir, and what an awesome result! It has a life-affirming, elegant, sophisticated nose that manages the heat of the growing season with effortless ease while maintaining a thrilling sense of tension. The palate is medium-bodied with firmer, more masculine tannins compared to the Cami Pesseroles. There is a sublime symmetry at play here, wonderful minerality with subtle notes of liquorice, chalk, citrus peel and a touch of oyster shell. It has brilliant delineation and elegance towards the finish, which is long and sensual. Without question, this is one of the finest Priorat 2009s that I encountered. . .and all without a drop of oak. Drink 2014-2030. Sara also opened a couple of older bottles so that I could see the wine’s evolution, although to be truthful, I felt that neither bore a true semblance to their recent wines, which Sara herself puts down to the introduction of organic viticulture. [Neal Martin, 01/04/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030