2005 Trio Infernal 1/3, Combier-Fischer- Gerin Associés, Priorat

Messrs Combier and Gerin, already well-established in the Northern Rhone, have joined forces with Dutchman Peter Fisher, to explore the schistous terraces of Priorat and the joys of the Garnacha grape. This they have done with considerable aplomb producing a family of wines with real class. The alleged junior cuvée of the three ( the third of which has yet to be made!) the 1/3 is a deeply serious wine, its vines at least forty years old, indeed some of its Cariñena vines approaching centurion status.

Priorat can be so dense and so rich, all a function of fruit rather than oak; that one is sometimes left looking for the elegance, searching for the poetry. The Trio Infernal seems to have got the balance just about right. Although the wine has had extensive barrique ageing, it is the concentration and sheer quality of the fruit which are immediately evident; the initial impressions recall graphite, macerated damson, undergrowth and bitter chocolate. Mediterranean warmth with more than a hint of Catalonian class; this wine will work with richly flavoured dishes; tangine perhaps, or osso buco.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)