Garnarcha Blend

Clos Mogador 2003

Its about time I had a look at this wine, the lads over at Winorama have had two shots at it so far.  

The 2003 vintage was a tough one for Priorat, extreme heat, rain just before harvest that introduced the right conditions for a nasty case of botrytis.  Still, many good wines were made. As always choose from quality producers.  Its not cheep stuff this, but I'll see if I can get some more 03 Priorat in to have a better look.

Like a lot of wines from Priorat, it is a mix of a load of different varieties: Mostly garnarcha with cabernet sauvignon, syrah and cariñena.  It comes over very young at the moment, I decanted for 4 hours and it came up really well.

Blood red in colour, with a slight bit of purple on the edges.   The nose start off very closed and sooty, but with time it came around beautifully: cherry, raspberry and blackberry fruit with great mineral, aniseed, sage and spice notes.  Very complex nose, a bit of VA, but not overwhelming and adds to the nose.  Smooth, savory and medium bodied in the mouth, ripe, smooth tannins and wonderful texture.  On the palate it mimics the nose with some extra dark current and plum fruit, with a slight dark chocolate note.  Great intensity. The finish is long with a good lick of minerals and more smooth tannins.  You could call it rustic given the flavours, but its not at all.  Its not modern either, its just Priorat I think. A perfect match with slow roasted lamb with a rocket and parmesan salad.  Hold off for a 3 more years and drink over the following 10. 94 Pts.

Source: Boccaccio Cellars RRP: $120 Closure: Conventional Cork