The 2008 DOIX Costers Vinyes Velles reveals a deep purple color with outstanding aromatic complexity. Notes of liquid minerality, licorice, lavender, Asian spices, and black cherry lead to a supple, savory effort loaded with spice and personality. There is a nicely concealed structure that will allow the wine to evolve for several years although it is approachable now. It will be best from 2013 to 2028. Mas Doix has a story quite common in Priorat in which professional people living in the big cities return to reclaim the family heritage (and are having more fun than they ever did before). Mas Doix’s flagship cuvee is named DOIX Costers Vinyes Velles with an annual production of only 4-7,000 bottles. It is typically a blend of old-vine Garnacha and Carinena (80-108 years of age) with the proportions varying slightly from year to year. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak for 14-18 months. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

(50% carinena, 48% garnacha and 2% merlot): Bright ruby. A pungent, highly aromatic bouquet evokes blackberry, cherry-cola, incense and violet. Ripe and muscular but surprisingly lithe, offering sappy red and dark berry flavors complicated by licorice and candied flowers. Slow to open but extremely promising, finishing with serious power and length.