Merum Priorati Priorat Desti 2018

Pere Ventura, a family-owned producer of Cava from nearby Penedès, is the proprietor of Merum Priorati. There are 60 acres of estate vines, mostly the traditional varieties of Garnacha and Cariñena, all grown around the town of Porrera, one of the best locations in Priorat. Enologist Roger Oferil adds some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to the blend. The wines, aged in French oak barrels, have a modern polish, but notes of mineral and mountain herb frame the lively fruit and anchor the wine in its terroir. This wine also scored 95 points in the 2017 vintage, and overall the winery has consistently earned outstanding ratings.

Tasting Note

Refined and elegant, this concentrated red shows cherry, violet and anise notes, with expressive mineral undertones that give it finesse. Elements of mountain herb and spice echo through the finish. Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Drink now through 2033. 1,600 cases imported.—Gillian Sciaretta