2014 Spain

A firm favourite from the Palacios stable, Finca Dofi has had a particularly successful outing in 2014. Generous from the outset, yet in no way lacking staying power, the blend of Garnacha ( 94%) and Samso ( 6%) reflects Alvaro’s great love of old Garnacha, in particular its floral aromatics, its intimations of concentration and power and the evocations of the distinctive schistous ( known locally as ‘licorella’) soils in the weave of its texture. A thoroughbred.

This famous vineyard, an almost perfect natural amphitheatre, has a particular ambiance, something intangible, yet profound, maybe the legacy of its monastic heritage, maybe something to do with the age of its vines and ancient geological terraces….in youth there is sonata purity, which will slowly, deftly, cede to symphonic depth. Alvaro estimates that there is 1% of white grapes included in the blend, more than 80% of which is Garnacha, the balance once again Samso. L’Ermita is made from 60 to 100-year-old vines, farmed at 15 hectolitres per hectare and then aged for 18 to 19 months in new French barrels.

Classic Priorat nose of ripe blackberries, violets and hints of saddle leather. The palate is precocious, generous and finely constructed, its broad weave on the mid-palate belying the detail of its components, details which will unravel gently and pleasingly over the next two to four years.

Aromas of flowers, hot stone and blackberry follow through to a medium to full body, superb density and balance. Precise wine that shows beautiful focus. Powerful suppleness. Drink or hold.
James Suckling  - 96/100 points