Many of the leading ‘historical’ wines of Priorat prove that a mixture of local and international varieties can produce outstanding results, and this magnificent 2015 wine is no exception. It contains 20% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah here, blended with 40% Garnatxa and 20% Carinyena. It's deep black and red in colour, with aromatic complexity from a soft, suffusing, earthy warmth and almost meaty plum fruits. On the palate the wine is concentrated, deep and forthright. The clarity and brilliance of the fruit flavours are typical of Priorat, ballasted in this case by dense tannins and vivacious, fruit-saturated acidity. It grows more savoury towards the finish: plum and stone modulate towards pine and Mediterranean scrub. A Priorat of total assurance, its alcohol invisible other than in the wine’s suffusing and necessary warmth.

This time there were two vintages of the top-of-the-range red to taste, as the 2014 is almost finished and the 2015 Clos Mogador will be released soon. In this warmer vintage, there is a little more Cariñena in the blend, with the final breakdown something like 45% Garnacha, 29% Cariñena, 16% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This had the same vinification and aging as the 2014: fermentation with indigenous yeasts and a 35- to 45-day maceration, followed by an élevage in 300-liter barrels and 2,000-liter foudres that lasted 18 months. 2015 is a rounder and easier year than 2014, and it feels a little riper, supple but with good freshness. It's clean and precise with nicely integrated oak. This was an easy vintage for the winery, and the wines are easy to understand and more approachable early on. 31,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2017.

This red has density and muscle. Firm tannins support the thick texture, backing plum, mountain herb and loamy earth flavors that show a savory character. Fresh acidity lifts the espresso-scented finish. Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2027. 2,580 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. - winespectator.com, November 2018