Over the past twenty years, the Spanish wine region of Priorat has become a global force in producing full-bodied, dense, oaked, modern style wines. This region outside of Barcelona is also known for how crazy expensive the top wines can be. Take for example Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita 2013, it's a perfect 100 points from the Wine Advocate, but it's $2,000 a bottle on release! Using mostly estate vineyards in and around the famed village of Gratallops. Mostly Garnacha with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah providing power and structure, this is a refined and inviting introduction to the world of Palacios and Priorat!
"This elegant red shows lovely balance and accessibility, offering fine-grained tannins enmeshed with flavors of ripe black raspberry, plum, crushed pine and milled pepper, plus a lively touch of mandarin orange peel. Lingering and lightly chewy on the finish." The Wine Spectator, 92 Points
"Hints of stewed herbs to the nicely baked cherries, strawberries and some hibiscus and dark spices. Fruity, medium-bodied on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a fresh, medium-long finish. Drink now." James Suckling, 91 Points