Clos I Terasses Laurel Priorat, Spain 2021 Pre-Arrival
The Priorat in northeastern Spain has become one of the world's most revered wine destinations because of its ripe, full-bodied, lushly textured red wines. Garnatxa (garnacha/grenache) is the dominant varietal, and it thrives in the Priorat's hot, dry climate.
While the Priorat is home to many talented winemakers, Daphne Glorian stands head and shoulders above the rest. Widely regarded as one of the driving forces in the development of modern-day winemaking in the Priorat, Daphne spent her life savings to purchase 17 terraces of vineyards in the village of Gratallops in the late 1980s, and she quickly became a darling of the wine press as well as collectors around the world with her flagship wine, Clos Erasmus. Her second cuvée, Laurel, has sealed her reputation as one of the world's most gifted winemakers. Take this opportunity to experience this immensely gorgeous wine!
A blend of garnatxa, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon from 10- to 27-year-old vines aged for 18 months in a combination of French oak tanks, concrete vats, neutral French oak barrels, and clay amphorae, the 2021 Laurel displays an ethereal and aromatic complexity, with aromas of cherries, red plums, and raspberries that follow on the lush, silky palate. The fruit flavors are laced with notes of baking spices, Mediterranean herbs, slate, black tea, and cocoa. The finish is long and vibrant, with balancing acidity and lingering notes of spice-tinged red fruits.
Check out the press!
96 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Laurel, the second wine from Clos Erasmus, was produced with grapes from younger vines, and is a blend of 80% garnacha, 11% syrah, and 9% cabernet sauvignon. The grapes were cooled down for 24 hours before sorting and destemming, and then put in the vat, where they warmed up and started fermenting naturally. They did a soft vinification with short pumping overs to avoid extraction, and the fermentation lasted two to three weeks, followed by four weeks of maceration. The wine matured in oak vats, barrels, and amphorae for 18 months. It's super aromatic, floral, and expressive, clean and elegant, delicate and ethereal. It has a velvety palate that is nicely textured, seamless, elegant, and balanced, with a focused, clean, long finish. I see the meaty side of Syrah here. It has 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.3. The oak is completely integrated despite the fact that the wine is very young." (5/24)
96 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Laurel, the second wine from Clos Erasmus, was produced with grapes from younger vines, and is a blend of 80% garnacha, 11% syrah, and 9% cabernet sauvignon. The grapes were cooled down for 24 hours before sorting and destemming, and then put in the vat, where they warmed up and started fermenting naturally. They did a soft vinification with short pumping overs to avoid extraction, and the fermentation lasted two to three weeks, followed by four weeks of maceration. The wine matured in oak vats, barrels, and amphorae for 18 months. It's super aromatic, floral, and expressive, clean and elegant, delicate and ethereal. It has a velvety palate that is nicely textured, seamless, elegant, and balanced, with a focused, clean, long finish. I see the meaty side of Syrah here. It has 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.3. The oak is completely integrated despite the fact that the wine is very young." (5/24)
94 points, Vinous:
"This garnet-hued wine reveals cherry and sour cherry aromas, accompanied by herbs, dried flowers, and a subtle animal note. Dry and lean with heightened acidity, the compact, chalky palate lingers with a vibrant mouthfeel. This is a delicious garnatxa from Priorat." (11.24)
Order the 2021 Clos I Terasses Laurel between now and Monday, October 20th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, October 23rd, after 4 PM.
ABV: 14.5%
"This garnet-hued wine reveals cherry and sour cherry aromas, accompanied by herbs, dried flowers, and a subtle animal note. Dry and lean with heightened acidity, the compact, chalky palate lingers with a vibrant mouthfeel. This is a delicious garnatxa from Priorat." (11.24)
Order the 2021 Clos I Terasses Laurel between now and Monday, October 20th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, October 23rd, after 4 PM.
ABV: 14.5%
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