2016 Bodegas La Cartuja Priorat Spain 750 ml

The 2016 Bodegas La Cartuja offers ripe, full-bodied black fruits that will appeal to lovers of New World Cabernet Sauvignon, while retaining a savory spice so prized by Rhône enthusiasts. One sip and the the terroir of Priorat is evident: The region’s iconic volcanic slate soils, known as llicorella, contribute a distinctive smokey mineral quality, juxtaposed by bold and vibrant blackberry, dark cherry, and plum notes.

In past vintages, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate has absolutely raved over this Grenache-based gem, calling it, “As good a deal as you are going to get from the Priorat,” “a spectacular offering...that sells for a song,” and “an amazing value.” While Parker has not yet rated the just-released 2016, Wine & Spirits has, and they immediately named it to their list of “Best Priorat Wines,” in addition to awarding it 92 points. There’s zero question here. This one is a winner.

Wine & Spirits wasn’t kidding when they called the 2016 La Cartuja, “a window that opens out to the Catalan mountains.” Sourced from a 60-acre vineyard in the heart of the Priorat, the 2016 is big, powerful, and deeply concentrated, like all of the best wines of the region. At Les Solanes estate, Grenache and Carineña vines are planted 800 feet up in rugged rocky soils, full of slate. The chilly climate of this site yields an incredible freshness in the wine, while the dry, nutrient poor soils account for the profound concentration and mineral complexity.

What sets the 2016 Bodegas La Cartuja apart from many Priorat wines is its openness. While many offerings from this area are hard and dense, requiring years to soften and show their breathtaking plumage, the 2016 La Cartuja requires no such patience. While broad-shouldered, with velvety tannins, the forward, dark fruit allows this to be enjoyed now with a short 15 minutes in the decanter. All the better given its price.