Clos Erasmus Laurel Priorat 2022

Description

Clos Erasmus Laurel Priorat 2022

While technically classified as the "second wine" of the legendary Clos Erasmus estate, the 2022 Laurel is a powerhouse that transcends this label, offering a distinct and formidable expression of the Priorat region. It serves not merely as an introduction to Daphne Glorian’s genius but as a standalone triumph that rivals the flagship bottlings of many other producers. Sourced from younger vines and declassified barrels from the estate's top sites, it delivers the intensity and minerality characteristic of the domain at a more accessible price point.

VARIETAL/BLEND INFORMATION: The 2022 vintage features a blend that leans heavily into the region's primary grape, comprised of approximately 77% Garnacha, 20% Syrah, and a reduced component of just 3% Cabernet Sauvignon compared to previous years. This shift allows the bright, floral character of the Garnacha to take center stage, supported by the structure of Syrah and the faint backbone of Cabernet.

VINTAGE & TERROIR: The 2022 growing season in Priorat was defined by extreme heat and drought, described by locals as "six months of summer" where conditions from May to October felt like July. Despite these scorching conditions, the vines planted on the region's famous llicorella (black slate) soils showed remarkable resilience. The fruit achieved full physiological ripeness while maintaining healthy acidity, resulting in a wine that balances the solar intensity of the vintage with unexpected freshness and lift.

SENSORY DESCRIPTORS: In the glass, the wine displays a translucent, bright ruby hue that suggests elegance. The nose is expressive and aromatic, offering a complex bouquet of fresh strawberries, red cherries, and a distinctive note of peach, layered with hints of grilled bread, wild herbs, and wet stone. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine that defies the high alcohol (15%) often associated with the region, presenting a texture of supreme finesse. The tannins are polished and fine-grained, supporting a core of red fruit flavors that glide into a long, civilized finish marked by mellow acidity and a lingering mineral impression.

WINEMAKING & FARMING: Daphne Glorian has farmed her vineyards biodynamically since 2004, treating the ecosystem with immense care to preserve the vitality of the soil. For the 2022 Laurel, fermentation occurred with indigenous yeasts to ensure authentic expression. The aging process was intricate, spanning approximately 18 months in a mix of vessels: large oak vats, concrete tanks, second and third-fill French oak barrels, and about 20% in clay amphorae. This varied élevage contributes to the wine's ethereal texture and open aromatic profile.

FOOD PAIRINGS: The wine's structural elegance and savory complexity make it a versatile companion for rich, protein-forward dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops finished with rosemary and garlic, as the wine's herbal undertones resonate with the seasoning while the tannins cut through the fat. Alternatively, try it with a slow-roasted pork shoulder with a berry reduction to highlight the wine's fruit core and complement its earthy minerality.

SCORES & AFFORDABILITY: Luis Gutiérrez of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage a stellar 95 points, praising its aromatic nature and "polished and elegant" tannins. Given that the flagship Clos Erasmus commands significantly higher prices and is incredibly difficult to source, the Laurel represents extraordinary value, offering a top-tier Priorat experience for a fraction of the cost.