Description
Clos Erasmus Priorat 2021 is a benchmark example of ethereal power, representing one of the most elegant vintages in the estate's history. This celebrated red is a blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Syrah, sourced primarily from 40-year-old vines in the Gratallops municipality, with a critical contribution from a small parcel of 85-year-old vines that adds profound depth. Under the stewardship of Daphne Glorian, a pioneer of the "New Priorat," the estate has achieved cult status for producing wines that balance the region's natural intensity with an uncommon finesse.
The 2021 vintage was defined by a cooler climatic profile, beginning with the historic "Filomena" snowstorm that replenished water reserves, followed by a mild summer that allowed for a slow, measured ripening period. These conditions tempered the region's characteristic heat, resulting in a wine of "cool-climate" personality with lower alcohol perception and vibrating acidity. The fruit is grown on steep, terraced slopes of llicorella (decomposed slate and schist) at elevations between 375 and 450 meters, a terroir that imparts a distinct graphite minerality and saline tension to the final wine.
In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant, deep ruby hue with violet highlights, demonstrating excellent clarity and viscosity. The nose is arrestingly complex and shifting; initial aromas of pristine pomegranate, sour cherry, and wild blackberries give way to intoxicating secondary notes of dried thyme, crushed violets, and orange blossom. As it breathes, tertiary nuances of saffron, black truffle, and a medicinal balsamic quality emerge, adding savory intrigue. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-to-full-bodied wine that defies the weight often associated with Priorat. It possesses a silky, seamless texture supported by ultra-fine-grained tannins and a spine of electric acidity. The finish is exceptionally long and mineral-driven, leaving lingering impressions of slate, spice, and savory herbs.
Winemaking at Clos i Terrasses is a study in minimal intervention and patience. The vineyards are farmed using certified organic and biodynamic practices, ensuring a living soil ecosystem. After a careful manual harvest and sorting, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in open-top oak vats and amphorae. The wine is then aged for approximately 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels (roughly 40% new) and clay amphorae, a technique that preserves the fruit's purity while polishing the structure.
This wine's high acidity and savory depth make it an exceptional partner for rich, American-leaning cuisine. It pairs magnificently with slow-smoked Texas brisket, where the wine's acidity cuts through the rendered fat while its slate notes complement the smoky bark. Alternatively, try it with a grilled venison loin served with a huckleberry reduction, as the gamey meat and tart fruit mirror the wine's own profile. For a simpler yet decadent option, a gourmet bison burger topped with aged white cheddar and caramelized onions offers a robust match for the wine's structure.
Critics have lauded the 2021 vintage as a masterpiece of elegance, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it 99 points and praising its "ethereal character," while Falstaff bestowed a perfect 100-point score. Due to its limited production and iconic status, it commands a high price point, positioning it firmly as a special occasion luxury wine. However, for collectors seeking one of the finest expressions of Spanish Garnacha, it offers a drinking experience that justifies the investment.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.