$64.80 $72.00
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Proprietor/Winemaker Daphne Glorian is widely regarded as one of the driving forces in the development of modern-day winemaking in the Priorat. From its origins in the late 1980s, when Daphne spent her life savings to purchase 17 terraces of vineyards in the village of Gratallops, Clos Erasmus has been one of the most highly sought out and collected wines from Spain. Out of 25 vintages, 14 have been rated 97-100 points by Robert Parker. The wine typically sells for $200 plus upon release and can regularly found at auction for upwards of $800 to $1000 a bottle.
Now here is the thing: the production of Clos Erasmus is limited to 3000 bottles a year, which means that after the final barrel selection is completed, there are inevitably a number of barrels that remain. This is the wine that is being featured today... LAUREL.
Laurel is made from the same grape source as the Clos Erasmus, and the winemaking is for all intents and purposes the same. The primary difference takes place after the final barrel selection is completed, where the Laurel is bottled and released a bit earlier than the Clos Erasmus. Press on Laurel has historically been outstanding as well averaging between 94-95 pts from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. At roughly a quarter of the price, this wine represents one of the great wine values of the world at its regular market price. As part of Bin Ends BUY THE PAIR feature, the 2016 Clos Erasmus Laurel Priorat is an absolute barn burner of a bargain.
PRODUCT REVIEW:
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95+ points
"The 2019 Laurel is quite closed and shows serious and shy. It's made with all the grapes that are not used for Clos Erasmus—young vines, the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon (no more than 5%), mostly Garnacha and some 15% Syrah. The wine matured mostly in 2,000-liter oak vats, concrete and some barrels (she's abandoning the tinaja). It's 15% alcohol but has very good freshness. The wine is round and powerful but very harmonious and with good freshness. It's medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with abundant, glossy tannins and fantastic balance. This is both powerful and elegant. It slowly opens up in the glass to ripe berries, spice and herbs and a touch of smoke." (LG) (9/2022)
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Clos Erasmus
Old/New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Catalonia
Appellation: Priorat DOQ
Village/Vineyard/Climat: Gratallops
Grape Varietals: Garnacha, Syrah, & Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2019
Product Type: Wine
Viticultural Techniques: Certified Organic/Biodynamic
Vinification Techniques:
Fermentation in a combination of oak, concrete egg, and clay amphorae. Aged for 16-18 months in 20hl oak barrels and clay amphorae.
Wine Style: Fuller Body Red
Winemaker: Daphne Glorian
ABV: 15%
Pack/Size: 6/750 ml
Container Type: Dark Green Glass Bottle
Closure Style: Natural Cork
