Gran Clos Red Blend 1998

Outer quote marks Deep red-ruby. Fresh, aromatic nose of sappy maraschino cherry and a hint of apple; more subtle and complex than the '99 sample. Then tighter, more structured, and quite juicy in the mouth; seems less powerful but more classy than the '99 bottling. Still quite tannic today, and in need of several years of additional bottle aging.

Notes

For a prime example of how a well-made, impeccably balanced Priorat ages, look no further than this wine. Do not confuse this with the good, but less interesting 2000 vintage of this same wine (available elsewhere for $48 and up). A beautiful nose of wild strawberry confit leads to intense, ripe, sun-drenched red fruit that manages to be generously openly knit, remarkably fresh, and possessing a beguiling mineral quality. Great attack on the palate, but with persistence and balance that complements the fruit intensity. Composed of 70% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, and 10% Cabernet, I would confidently put this up against any 1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape and expect it to compare very favorably.

Keep in mind that the wine was reviewed in August 2001, so it has evolved into something different (and in my opinion, much better) than when this was first reviewed. 90 points from Robert Parker: "This internationally-styled effort from Priorato is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It displays aggressive levels of toasty new oak as well as concentrated black currant and kirsch liqueur characteristics."