Gran Cruor 2014

Not a typical Priorat when you consider its coupage, with 95% Syrah, but bearing an indisputable Priorat stamp; a wine which demonstrates how the Syrah is capable of adapting itself perfectly too to the characteristic slate soils found in the area. Gran Cruor is made using grapes sourced from La Fredat, a mountainous vineyard estate planted on terraces lying on slaty "llicorella" soil, and undergoes a rather longer ageing period than its younger sibling, Cruor. A dark Picota cherry colour of great density, Gran Cruor is an intense, complex and concentrated wine on the nose, with a wide aromatic palette, revealing spicy aromas and the Cariñena's typical notes of India ink; on the palate it's oily, with ripe tannins, plenty of length, medium-bodied therefore making it even more drinkable, and reveals a subtle hint of creamy caramel. A high quality wine which comes as no surprise, bearing in mind that its origins lie in a winery emanating from Castillo Perelada.