Clos Erasmus LaurelIn the rugged landscape in the northeast corner of Spain lies the tiny village of Priorat. The Priorat, or Priorato to the Catalans, is one of the oldest vine growing areas in the Mediterranean. Here viticulture dates back almost two millennia, with the ancient varieties of Garnacha, Mazuelo and Syrah playing their harmonious symphony much like they do in Chateauneuf du Pape, France, to make powerful and utterly delicious wine. Yet for all its

This wine is one of the best

was my introduction to mondeuse so I have always found it a benchmark

A half-finished bottle on a zinc counter while someone tears apart a loaf of bread with their hands kind of French

The palate is light on its feet but not slight

complex and very classy finish

Texture is silken but restrained

lending an almost alpine clarity to the fruit even in warm years

then the farm in La Morra was bought

I am pretty pumped about this wine

and yet at low alcohol levels

Not manipulated

leaving your palate wanting more