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Introduction
The 2019 Mas Martinet "Clos Martinet" is a powerful and refined red wine from Priorat, one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions. Produced by the renowned Pérez family, pioneers of modern winemaking in Priorat, this wine showcases the depth, complexity, and minerality characteristic of the region’s unique terroir. "Clos Martinet" is crafted from a blend of indigenous and classic varietals, resulting in a wine that is both intense and elegantly balanced.

Terrior
The Priorat region in Catalonia is defined by its rugged landscape and distinctive "llicorella" soils, a type of decomposed slate that imparts minerality and structure to the wines. The region’s steep terraced vineyards and low rainfall push the vines to dig deep for nutrients, creating concentrated, powerful wines. The Mediterranean climate, with hot days and cool nights, allows for even ripening while preserving acidity, making Priorat wines both intense and vibrant.

Appearance
Deep, almost opaque ruby with garnet highlights, reflecting the wine’s intensity and depth. The wine is clear and shows high viscosity, indicative of its full body and concentration.

Nose
The nose is complex and layered, offering rich aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum, along with notes of crushed violets and Mediterranean herbs. Secondary notes of graphite, licorice, and a touch of balsamic add depth, while subtle hints of toasted oak, vanilla, and cocoa from barrel aging contribute further complexity.

Palate
Full-bodied and powerful, the palate reveals concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, blueberry, and ripe plum, balanced by savory elements of black olive, crushed rock, and dried thyme. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a solid backbone for the wine’s intensity. A vibrant acidity adds freshness and balance, while hints of dark chocolate, smoked meat, and an earthy minerality linger, showcasing the unique "llicorella" soil influence.

Finish
The finish is long, layered, and complex, with persistent notes of dark fruit, spice, and a distinct minerality. The wine’s fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity leave an elegant, structured impression, promising excellent aging potential.

Overall Impression
The 2019 Mas Martinet "Clos Martinet" is a stunning example of the depth and elegance that define Priorat’s best wines. This is a complex, age-worthy red that embodies the region’s rugged beauty and singular terroir. Enjoyable now with decanting, it has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next decade or more. It pairs wonderfully with grilled lamb, roasted game, or hearty stews, but it’s also a wine worth savoring on its own for its intricate layers.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 96
James Suckling Rating: 95
Robert Parker Rating: 97
Vinous Rating: 94
Jeb Dunnuck Rating: 95
Decanter Ranking: 96
Wine Spectator: 94
Wine Enthusiast: 96

Published Awards and Recognition
Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards; featured in Robert Parker’s "Top Wines of Priorat"; recognized by Wine Enthusiast as a "Cellar Selection" and one of the "Top Spanish Reds of 2022."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15%
Farming Practices: Organic, with biodynamic principles
Producer Name: Mas Martinet
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Priorat, Catalonia
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Garnacha and Cariñena, with small amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot
Vintage: 2019
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented with native yeasts; aged in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete vats to enhance texture and complexity while retaining purity of fruit and terroir expression
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork