2007 Clos Martinet

A blend of 60% Garnacha, 18% Carignan, 12% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2007 Mas Martinet Viticultors Priorat Clos Martinet is a silky, elegant Priorat that delivers a drop dead gorgeous bouquet of sweet raspberry, blackberry, crushed stone, sweet spice, and candied flowers. Beautifully proportioned and refined on the palate, with a medium+ bodied mouth feel, a seamless texture, and fine tannin that shows on the finish, this understated, yet concentrated and structured Priorat is superb now, yet will age gracefully for 12-15 years. Very classy and anyone who thinks Priorat can’t deliver lightness and elegance needs to try this wine!

Glass-staining ruby. Sexy aromas of black raspberry preserves, potpourri and incense. Sweet, pliant and fine-grained, with red and dark berry flavors complicated by floral pastille and mineral elements. Delivers excellent intensity without undue weight and finishes broad and sweet, with lingering mineral nuances.

The 2007 Clos Martinet is composed of 90% Garnacha and 10% Syrah. It is a powerful, focused, rich offering that will continue to blossom for another 3-4 years and deliver enjoyment through 2022, if not longer. Mas Martinet is owned by Jose Luis Perez, one of the original Priorat pioneers. He has turned over day-to-day operations to his daughter, Sarah. The estate owns 10 hectares of vineyard planted in the famous llicorella soil that gives the DO its distinctive character. In 2006 the estate added two new cuvees, Cami Pesseroles and Els Escurons, which are intended to show aspects of the terroir rather than to be special luxury bottlings. Be that as it may, these two new offerings appear to be every bit as good as the flagship Clos Martinet. During my visit in January 2011, Sarah Perez was kind enough to open several older vintages, 2004, 2000, 1998, and 1993. Even the 1993 is in good condition although it should be drunk up over the next 5-7 years. The 2004 Clos Martinet which I reviewed in 2007 appears to be even better than I thought at the time. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com; and Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 466-0800