2005 Clos Martinet

Mid garnet with the first hints of maturity – delicate undergrowth and just a touch meaty – but also still with spicy dark-red, ripe fruit. Rich, ripe cherry. Tannins still quite compact but the texture is fine and dry with life and elegance combined on the finish. Beautifully refined with a strong mineral streak. (JH)

Garnatxa, Cabernet, Merlot, Carinyena, Syrah. Clos Martinet is a clear example of the complications of the 2005 vintage. Compared to a very good 2004 (tasted recently and rated 17) this vintage has not aged well. The wine has some nail-varnish notes, restrained fruit and black pepper. The palate is very intense in terms of flavours, restrained but the fruit is slightly meagre on the back palate. However the wine has a clearly recognisable Priorat style. (FC)

Youthful purple. Deep blackcurrant, cherry-cola and tobacco aromas are further deepened by musky herbs and roasted coffee. Sweeter black raspberry and candied cherry flavors offer impressive sweetness and are framed by big but harmonious tannins, which gain power with air. This wine really hangs in there, leaving a suave trail of sweet fruit and smoky minerals behind. The wine's structure bodes well for another five years or so of patience.