2014 PASANAU "CEPS NOUS" PRIORAT

2014 PASANAU "CEPS NOUS" PRIORAT, SPAIN. 70% Garnacha, 21% Merlot and 9% Syrah.

Pasanau farms the highest vineyards in Priorat at 2,400+ feet elevation bordering the rock wall of the Sierra de Montsant. The days are warmer and the night cooler than the milder Mediterranean closer to sea level, which helps retain freshness in the fruit. The dry, rocky soils characterized by gravelly scree eroded from the cliffs over llicorella slate result in naturally low yields of concentrated berries for wines of intensity, minerality and depth. Fresh and fruit-driven, this fermented in stainless steel and aged in oak. It’s a flavor-packed red with peppery black and red fruit, smooth tannins, and the right balance of richness and structure to complement hearty meat dishes featuring beef, pork or wild game as well as cured meats and aged Manchego cheese.

90 points Wine Advocate: "The peppery and fresh 2014 Ceps Nous is a blend of 70% Garnacha, 21% Merlot and 9% Syrah from young vines produced in a fresh and fruit-driven style. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in used French oak barrels for some four to six months. It's 15.4% alcohol but quite juicy and balanced, and the alcohol is not noticeable, although it's clearly not a shy wine. Very good in its style." (LG, 10/2016)