Description
Alvaro Palacios is one of the “rock stars” of modern Spanish wine making best known for his work in revitalising the region of Priorat and his ultra-pricey “Grand Cru”, L’Ermita. This though is from his family property in Rioja, where he has worked his magic in reinvigorating the old vineyards and bringing the winemaking up to the state of the art.
Quite pruney Garnacha sets this off in a savoury red berry direction with touches of plum, tobacco and sage. Earthiness and pretty, well defined red berries show the Garnacha on the palate, with terrific natural fruit acidity and light tannins, and a little cola-violet perfume release at back. Gentle, open, dry and subtle, this is delicious and characterful premium Rioja Baja, and is the new-oaked big sister to ‘La Montesa’.
90 points, Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate … “The 2008 Propiedad is made up of 60% Garnacha and 40% Tempranillo sourced from the estate’s older vines and aged for 14 months in 100% French oak. It reveals an inviting nose of balsam wood, tobacco, lavender, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, ripe, spicy, layered offering that has good grip, a bit of complexity, and a medium long finish. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2023. “ RRP $85
