2012 Clos Martinet

Lurid ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented blueberry and cherry on the expansive nose; suave incense and floral qualities emerge with aeration. Shows very good depth as well as energy in the mouth, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that take a deeper turn on the back half. The mineral note comes back emphatically on a very long, penetrating finish that features sneaky tannins and lingering floral and spicecake flourishes.

Black cherry, cranberry, licorice, loamy earth and toasty flavors mingle in a mix of fruit and savory notes. The texture is balanced, with light tannins and balsamic acidity. Solid and focused. (TM)

The flagship, multi-grape blend 2012 Clos Martinet is mostly Garnacha with Syrah, Cariñena (the Cariñena yielded very little in 2011 and 2012) and a little Cabernet and Merlot. The Mas Martinet vineyard is at 200-225 meters altitude on a very sheltered, quite warm site where they have no problems with winds, hail or frost. The nose is a mix of wet slate, spices and earth combined with red and black fruit in the background. 2012 seems like a great vintage for Clos Martinet; there is great depth and very good complexity all in harmony. Earthy and serious, this is a Priorat with great balance that will develop in bottle. (LG)