2010 Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles

The 2010 Costers de Vinas Viejas is a blend of 55% Garnacha and the rest Carinena from vineyards planted in 1902 on slate slopes. The wine has the power, concentration and balance of the old vines and is a textbook Priorat with those alluring aromas of wet slate and ripe blackberries. The 16 months aging in new French oak become unnoticeable when you have this intensity of fruit, and the aromas and tannins from the barrels are neatly integrated into the fruit. This is a big, elegant Priorat that should evolve nicely in bottle. 5,500 bottles were produced in 2010. Drink 2015-2025. 2010 seems like a very successful year for the wines of Mas Doix which are powerful and reflect their origin but show very good balance. The old vine cuvee is a really profound Priorat. Imported by Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

(50% carinena, 48% garnacha and 2% merlot; aged for 16 months in new French oak): Inky ruby. A heady, smoky bouquet evokes cassis, blueberry, vanilla and potpourri, with a bright mineral accent building with air. Silky and seamless in texture, offering vibrant red berry and vanilla flavors sharpened by zesty acidity and a stony nuance. Clings with impressive tenacity on the finish, leaving floral pastille, oak spice and raspberry notes behind.

The 2010 Costers de Vinas Viejas is a blend of 55% Garnacha and the rest Carinena from vineyards planted in 1902 on slate slopes. The wine has the power, concentration and balance of the old vines and is a textbook Priorat with those alluring aromas of wet slate and ripe blackberries. The 16 months aging in new French oak become unnoticeable when you have this intensity of fruit, and the aromas and tannins from the barrels are neatly integrated into the fruit. This is a big, elegant Priorat that should evolve nicely in bottle. 5,500 bottles were produced in 2010. Drink 2015-2025. ||2010 seems like a very successful year for the wines of Mas Doix which are powerful and reflect their origin but show very good balance. The old vine cuvee is a really profound Priorat.||Imported by Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565 Wine Advocate.February, 2014