2004 L'Ermita

Ruby-red. Suave, understated aromas of cherry, redcurrant, licorice, minerals, fresh rose, violet and lavender. Taut, fresh and brisk, the bright red fruit flavors slowly deepening but retaining superb focus and clarity. Offers more nuance each time you come back to the glass, with complex fruit, floral and mineral components all there. I found it fascinating to watch this wine unfold. This is a bottle you'd want to share with just one or two others (or maybe just your own bad self), because it doesn't reveal itself in a two-ounce pour.

2004 was a superb vintage in Priorat and the three entries from Alvaro Palacios are stunning. The 2004 L’Ermita is harvested from a 5 acre parcel of 70-year-old head-pruned vines of which 85% is Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Carignan aged in 100% new French oak. The color is purple/black and the super-expressive nose offers toast, minerals, kirsch, and blackberry. The wine is full-bodied and seamless with complex flavors and the tannin totally concealed. The finish is very long and pure in this powerful yet elegant offering. It should drink splendidly for 15-20 years. Jay Miller-Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007

2004 was a superb vintage in Priorat and the three entries from Alvaro Palacios are stunning. The 2004 L’Ermita is harvested from a 5 acre parcel of 70-year-old head-pruned vines of which 85% is Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Carignan aged in 100% new French oak. The color is purple/black and the super-expressive nose offers toast, minerals, kirsch, and blackberry. The wine is full-bodied and seamless with complex flavors and the tannin totally concealed. The finish is very long and pure in this powerful yet elegant offering. It should drink splendidly for 15-20 years. Feb 2007, www.robertparker.com