Clos i Terrasses Laurel 2019 (750ML)

95+ Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Laurel is quite closed and shows serious and shy. It's made with all the grapes that are not used for Clos Erasmus—young vines, the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon (no more than 5%), mostly Garnacha and some 15% Syrah. The wine matured mostly in 2,000-liter oak vats, concrete and some barrels (she's abandoning the tinaja). It's 15% alcohol but has very good freshness. The wine is round and powerful but very harmonious and with good freshness. It's medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with abundant, glossy tannins and fantastic balance. This is both powerful and elegant. It slowly opens up in the glass to ripe berries, spice and herbs and a touch of smoke. 18,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2021." 09/22

Notes From the Importer: "While Clos Erasmus comes from the same parcels year after year, Laurel has been slowly evolving in the vineyard and cellar. Laurel is sourced from younger vines of Garnatxa planted on costers in Aubagues, Garnatxa, Syrah, and Cabernet from the warm terroir of Socarrats, and Garnatxa and Syrah from Guinarderes. The final blend is roughly 75% Garnatxa, 20% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Based largely on younger vines and years of toil to establish these sites and properly farm them following organic and biodynamic principles, it would be wholly inappropriate to view Laurel as a second wine. If Daphne had not already established herself as one of the most talented vignerons in the Priorat with Clos Erasmus, she would be a leading contender with Laurel. Aged in large oak vats, concrete tanks, second and third fill French oak barrels, and clay amphorae, the complexity of the élevage is reflected in the wine, which always shows an ethereal and aromatic complexity, translucent ruby color, with red fruit more than black fruit character buttressed with subtle tannins." –European Cellars