2005 Clos Erasmus Priorat

Dark and rich liquorice and streaked through with a certain mintiness. Very exotic and complete. Minerals a go go but masses of dramatic fruit too. (JR)

The 2005 Clos Erasmus is produced from three vineyard sites originally terraced by the Greeks. The current blend is 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah with a long-term goal of making a 100% Garnacha wine. The wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is super-fragrant with aromas of crushed stone, slate, cinnamon, baking spices, cassis, kirsch, blueberry, and wild black cherry. Perhaps a bit tighter than the 2004, on the palate there is a liquid minerality that must be tasted to be believed. Opulent, harmonious, and awesome are words which really cannot do justice to this extraordinary vinous achievement. In a perfect world, purchasers would have the patience to cellar it for 10-15 years but this will be a severe test of one’s ability to delay gratification. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

(75% garnacha, 15% syrah and 10% cabernet sauvignon) Bright ruby. Remarkably perfumed nose offers a surreal range of red and dark berries, pungent floral qualities, Asian spices and zesty minerals. Deep in red fruit flavor but amazingly precise and balanced, with a collection of exotic spice and mineral characteristics that reminded me of a Romanee Saint-Vivant. The spiciness builds on the long, seductively sweet finish, which lingers endlessly, maintaining poise and superb focus.