2003 Laurona, Montsant

A superb discovery from the skillful hands of Rene Barbier. Monsant surrounds Priorat and shares its soil base of schist and clay. This is a blend of Cabernet, Garnacha and Merlot and has been aged for 16 months in French oak. It has the elegance of a top claret and the warmth of a great Rioja; Laurona shows a fresh and expressive nose bursting with berry fruit, licorice and dried mediterranean herbs. It will accompany classic meat or game dishes.

"Very complete. Fresh. Liquorice undertow. Not too expensive for the quality. Well fashioned. Not weighed down by alcohol or rasping tannin."
(Jancis Robinson - Reds for Christmas - Financial Times - 03-Dec-2007)