2009 Terroir al Limit Les Manyes

The 2009 Les Manyes originates from a 1.4-hectares vineyard that is, unusually, not on slate soils, but chalk and quartz. It has a very intense, defined bouquet with floral, rose-petal notes and crushed stone mingling with dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, supple, beautifully defined tannins that segue into an elegant finish that is sedate and harmonious with superb minerality. Readers should be aware that unfortunately I was unable to taste “Les Tosses” on this occasion as the bottle failed to turn up for the tasting, but I will endeavour to assess it at a later date. I must confess that prior to tasting the wines, I wondered whether “Terroir Al Limit” would live up to its name. Terroir taken to the limit? I prefer wines taken to optimums rather than limits. My worries were unfounded. I reveled in these stunning Priorats sculpted by the talented hand of South African superstar Eben Sadie. These are wines that offer intensity of flavor instead of overwhelming power, and elegance and personality on a world-class level. I absconded with a couple of bottles, putting them to the test over a dinner, and they duly mellowed and expanded with aeration, melting into sublime, almost nubile wines that effortlessly seduced the senses. In other words: I like them. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565