The 2008 Gratallops (one of the 8 villages of Priorat) is made up of 70% Garnacha with the balance Carinena and Syrah. The nose proffers brooding black fruits, wood smoke, mineral, lavender, and spice box. On the palate it is full-bodied, savory, and concentrated with a deft interplay of elegance and power. This lengthy effort has the balance to evolve for 3-4 years and will offer a drinking window extending through 2023 if not longer. Alvaro Palacios established his namesake winery in 1989. The flagship L’Ermita made its debut in 1993. Finca Dofi and L’Ermita vineyards are farmed biodynamically. All of the wines are bottled without filtration. In 2008 Palacios was the last grower in Priorat to harvest, waiting out rains that diluted other growers’ fruit. It appears that 2009 was a slightly more successful vintage for Alvaro Palacios (and most Priorat producers) than was 2008. All of the 2009s were tasted from barrel samples at the Bodega in January 2011. Importer: Mannie Berk, The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA; tel. (800) 999-4342; www.rarewineco.com