Alvaro Palacios - L'Ermita Velles Vinyes Gratallops 2019
Price: $1400.00
Sale Price: $1260.00
| Producer | Alvaro Palacios |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Priorat |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 07609 |
Wine Advocate: 100 Points
L'Ermita carries the "gran vinya classificada," the top of the official vineyard classification in Priorat, and the 2019 L'Ermita comes from 1.45 hectares planted in 1939 with Garnacha, Cariñena and white grapes. The grapes for the 2019 vintage—73% Garnacha, 26% Cariñena and 1% white grapes (Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and Pedro Ximenez)—were picked between October 11th and 14th. The wine is close to 15% alcohol but has a low pH (freshness) from fermenting with 30% whole bunches in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and maturing in French oak casks for 14 months. Contrary to what I saw in many 2019s, this is higher in Cariñena than ever, but the grapes were all co-fermented in two 1,000-liter oak vats, and there is perfect integration of the varieties. There was an incredible richness of aromas here, perfumed, intoxicating and showy, an extroverted vintage, with a deeper voice than the 2018. There is incredible precision and finesse here, subtleness and elegance. The wine is compact, seamless and with incredible balance. It's both powerful and elegant, and there is energy and light, symmetry and clout. There are layers and layers here, with a spherical core, fresh and agile, all the things a great wine should have. It has an endless finish. Amazing!
Decanter: 99 Points
Nervy dark fruits, notes of cherry with a hint of ripe boysenberry, dried orange peel, light sage, potpourri floral notes, light green peppercorn, with red liquorice and allspice. Brilliant and open on the palate, excellent fruit definition already showing with luscious layers of dark fruits and a lingering threaded acidity with an even longer finish.
James Suckling: 98 Points
Very subtle and complex aromas of blackberries, crushed stones, flint and cloves with some granite. Full-bodied, yet so tight and beautiful, with ultra-fine tannins that are stealth-like and flow across the palate. Such elegance and grace in this wine. It builds at the finish. Drink in 2024, but already a joy to taste.
