Scala Dei Cartoixa 2018 75cl
£44.69
This is original Priorat - the wine that gave the entire region its name and put it on the map It has a very deep, dense, violet-tinted morello cherry appearance Intense ripe black plum fruit intermingles with soaring violet and mountain herb aromas, and a distinct mineral suggestion, reflecting Priorat's characteristic 'licorella' slate terroir soil The fruit from higher-altitude vineyards (up to 800m) is aged in large oak vessels which do not mask the bright freshness that the high elevation brings Fruit from sites at 400-550m has more robustness, and so benefits from ageing in medium-sized barrels, which add subtle spicy vanilla, pepper and toasted notes to the wine On the palate it is robust, creamy and supple-textured, with intense, mature tannins, full, rounded body and a long lingering finish
Scala Dei Massipa White Priorat 2021 75cl
£35.78
From one of Scala Dei s highest vineyard sites in the Montsant mountains, this white Priorat is made from a rare combination of white Grenache and Chenin Blanc; balancing the textural richness of the former with the zest and acidity of the latter It is just starting to show spicy, fragrant complexity, with hints of beeswax and saffron This is now drinking superbly, and promises to get even better with more time in the bottle
Scala Dei Sant Antoni 2017 75cl
£63.61
A wine of almost indescribable beauty, made in such tiny quantities that, alas, only a few will ever get to experience it Think the supple harmony of Musigny Grand Cru (at a small fraction of the price), super-silky and super-pure, with delicate raspberry, rosewater and aniseed aromas, subtle fruit and supple texture and an almost hidden but present liquorice-like concentration on the hauntingly-long finish Like the finest of Burgundy, this is immediately irresistible yet with the finesse and balance to last a decade or longer This comes from a tiny, terraced vineyard located at 580-650 metres elevation, above an impressive cliff edge on the side of the Montsant mountain The site was tended for centuries by the Carthusian monks of the Scala Dei priory, and was replanted by the current owners in 1973