The 2022 L'Ermita wasn't bottled when I tasted it in January 2024. They selected the grapes from 2.28 hectares out of the total 4.7 hectares planted in 1909, 1939 and 1996 to produce this red classified as Gran Vinya Classificada, the top of the quality hierarchy in the Priorat appellation. It was produced with a blend of 92% Garnacha, 7% Cariñena and 1% of the local whites, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez fermented with part of full clusters and indigenous yeasts in oak vats with a maceration of 23 days followed by an élevage in French oak oval foudres that is expected to last 14 months. The parameters are 14.5% alcohol, pH of 3.49 and 4.87 grams of acidity. This is always the more complete wine here; it feels reticent, a little closed and shy, insinuating, nuanced and subtle. It has a seamless and solid palate with very fine tannins and a balanced mouthfeel. They expect to fill some 5,000 bottles in March 2024.

The 2022 L’Ermita is Palacios’s crown jewel, this vintage comprising 92% Garnacha, 7% Cariñena and 1% white varieties. It is clearly a step up from the Les Aubaguetes with intense, multi-faceted black fruit, freshly rolled tobacco, black pepper and wild mint hints. It uncoils seductively with time in the glass while retaining wonderful delineation and focus. The palate is utterly divine with saturated yet filigree tannins, perfect balance and a gentle, almost subtle crescendo with a peacock’s tail of mineral-driven black fruit on the finish. Fabulous and as sophisticated as they come. Utterly divine.