2004 Melis Priorat

From the same team that brings you the Central Coast’s superb Sea Smoke Pinot Noirs comes Melis, a splendid example of what can be achieved in Priorat. The 2004 Melis, from an outstanding vintage, is a blend of 63% Grenache, 16% Carignan, 14% Syrah, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for 15 months in several sizes of 100% new Burgundian oak before being bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it exhibits sweet aromas of vanilla spice, toast, mineral, wild blueberry and blackberry. Full-bodied (a nicely concealed 15.5% alcohol) with a velvety palate-feel, layers of opulent black fruit flavors, ripe tannins, and a long, pure finish, this large-scaled wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 15-20 years. Bravo! Importer: Victor Gallegos, Lompoc, CA; victor@melispriorat.com