2008 Clos Martinet

The 2008 Clos Martinet, like the Martinet Bru, is a bit more forward and graceful than its 2007 sibling. Nevertheless, it contains enough structure and balance to drink well for another 15 years. 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