Mas d'en Compte Negre 2017

When tasting a bottle of Mas d'en Compte for the first time, the most immediate image that springs to mind is that of a four-wheel-drive. A powerful wine, robust but also lovely and supple thanks to its freshness, which is surely all down to those old Porrera Cariñenas and to the minerality in the soil, with a silky texture and ripe fruit that's full of sun and energy. Having that austere undertone but without lacking elegance, Mas d'en Compte figures among those Priorat wines that have the most typicity, a wine that's seductive, serious, intense, juicy... One to get to know better. With origins dating back to 1814 and seven generations to look back on, Celler Cal Pla can count on some exceptional vineyards, with both old and very old vines. Figuring conspicuously among them is a highly-prized vineyard aged over a hundred years old, which they set aside for the production of their most special wine, Planots. For Mas d'en Compte, this is their most representative wine, with the same unfailing quality. Cal Pla is located in Porrera, one of the Priorat's most esteemed districts and particularly noted for the high quality of its old Cariñenas, like the ones contributing to the production of this wine: Cariñena (50%) from vines more than 60 years old, accompanied by Garnacha (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) from vines around 15 years old. Mas d'en Compte is aged for 14 months in new and semi-new French (90%) and American oak barrels, and its personality is defined by the ripeness of the fruit, with a rich complexity of flavours embracing red and black fruits, some juicier, others in compote. Its Priorat character is unquestionable too, with the customary minerality and depth conferred by the slate soils to all wines emanating from this remarkable denomination; it is juicy and expressive, with a powerful, meaty entry and some very definite spicy aromas, a rich and intense wine. An elegant, precise, persistent Priorat that has great cellaring potential. Don't be in a rush to open the bottle and you'll enjoy it all the more.