[ 2007 Clos Figueras Priorat ]
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[ Why We Love It: ]
“Love” is the operative word in this heading – because perhaps as much (or more!) than any wine we have the privilege of bringing to market each year, we are head-over-heels for the wines of Clos Figueras. And what’s not to love? These magic elixirs are coaxed from the dramatic, rugged and steep mountainsides of Priorat in northern Spain by a remarkable wine family whose knowledge, skill and passion for great wine is obvious in every bottle they produce. While these are not inexpensive wines, they do offer sensational value if one compares them to reds from other parts of the world showcasing comparable complexity, minerality, scarcity, aging potential and hands-on artisan winemaking.
And let’s not forget about the age of the vineyards. If you’ve been following our newsletters for any period of time, you’ll know that I’ve got a bit of a thing for old vines – and the impact they can have on wine quality: low yields, stunning complexity and breathtaking concentration. The Grenache and Carignan (which make up more than 90% of this wine) are harvested from very old vines, ranging between 60 and 70 years of age. These gnarly and deeply rooted old vines contribute to quality in a way that just can’t be replicated by any mechanical or artificial manipulation of the wines made from younger vineyards. This is the ultimate sensory expression of the quality vs quantity paradigm, as applied to wine.
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[ Recipes & Food Pairings: ]
Toulouse Sausage, Tomato, Bacon + Lentils – RECIPE
Braised Oxtail, Prune, Orange + Shallots – RECIPE
Rosemary + Red Wine Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops – RECIPE
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[ Price: ]
BOTTLE: $92
CASE: $552
BUY THIS WINE
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[ Technical Specs: ]
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
BOTTLE: 750mL
CASE PACK: 6 x 750mL
GRAPES: 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan, 5% Syrah + Cabernet Sauvignon
CLOSURE: Natural Cork
CELLAR POTENTIAL: 12 to 15 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16 to 18 degrees C
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[ Tasting Notes: ]
“The purple-colored 2007 Clos Figueres displays an already complex nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, mineral, lavender, herbs, and assorted black fruits. Dense and sweet on the palate, this plush offering will continue evolving for another 5-7 years and have a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2027.”
94 / 100 Points
Jay Miller / eRobertParker.com
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“(a blend of grenache, carignan, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and mourvedre) Opaque violet. Expansive, highly perfumed bouquet of black raspberry, cherry, licorice, black cardamom and smoky minerals. Racy red and dark berry and bitter cherry flavors are underscored by tangy minerality and complemented by a floral pastille quality. Gains weight with air while maintaining vivacity, finishing with gentle sweetness and a hint of cracked pepper. This will age on its balance.”
93 / 100 Points
Josh Raynolds / Vinous.com
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Wine of the Week #1524: 2007 Clos Figueras Priorat
[ TAGS: ]
#Grenache #Carignan #Priorat #Clos Figueras #Spain