2005 Vall Llach
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Tasting notes
Carinyena, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. The Carinyena is 110 years old and the Cabernet and Merlot just 10. Very low yields at 0.7 kg/ha, oak fermented and long maceration post-fermentation (12 days). Oak aged. In recent vintages such as 2012 the wine includes less Merlot and Cabernet and has more Carinyena. The wine is extreme in terms of ripening, some overripe notes such as baked plums, ripe figs and sweet chocolate. Alcohol dominates the nose. Juicy and rounded but affected by ripeness. The wine is impressive in the front palate but rough and hollow at the back. Not the best vintage for such a renowned wine. (FC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The flagship 2005 Vall-Llach is composed of 65% Carinena, 15% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot aged for 12 months in new French oak. Many of the Carinena vines for this cuvee are pre-phylloxera. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a splendid aromatic array including pain grille, slate, mushroom, espresso, garrigue, blueberry, and black currant. Opulent, full-bodied, and rich, this pedal to the metal Priorat possesses 8-10 years of aging potential. The winery claims it can be cellared for up to 50 years; that could well prove true although many of us will not be around to find out or our delay of gratification will have long given out. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; www.foliowine.com