Cartoixa 2018, Scala Dei

This is original Priorat – the wine that gave the entire region its name and put it on the map. It has a very deep, dense, violet-tinted morello cherry appearance. Intense ripe black plum fruit intermingles with soaring violet and mountain herb aromas, and a distinct mineral suggestion, reflecting Priorat’s characteristic ‘licorella’ slate terroir soil. The fruit from higher-altitude vineyards (up to 800m) is aged in large oak vessels which do not mask the bright freshness that the high elevation brings. Fruit from sites at 400-550m has more robustness, and so benefits from ageing in medium-sized barrels, which add subtle spicy vanilla, pepper and toasted notes to the wine. On the palate it is robust, creamy and supple-textured, with intense, mature tannins, full, rounded body and a long lingering finish.