Mas Martinet 2014 Clos Martinet

Clos Martinet is one of Mas Martinet's four single vineyard wines, each made in tribute to different eras in the history of Priorat. This wine is the 'modern era', meaning it has a small proportion of the international grape varieties (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) which began to be planted in the 1980s. Apart from that though, it follows the Mas Martinet approach, meaning a heavy emphasis on the traditional varieties of Grenache and Carignan, and hands-off winemaking in traditional vessels. The result is a quite superb wine which has Priorat's characteristic power but with remarkable freshness and elegance.

Deep cherry red. Dusty fragrance of sweet cherry fruit seasoned with plenty of spice and rocky minerality that shows through even with so much pure and glorious fruit. Then the mineral, dry finesse really kicks in on the palate. Chewy, dry, moreish and, even at this price, very good value. Intensity without heaviness and much more complexity to come. Surprisingly creamy texture on the finish.

18 points

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 11/07/2017

65% Garnacha, 18% Carignan, 11% Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented with wild yeasts. Aged in old oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.