The 2010 Finca Dofi is a blend of 80% Garnacha, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah, sourced from 19- to 31-year-old vines and matured in 80% new French oak and 20% one year old for 16 months. The aromatics are still defined by that carapace of new oak, although underneath lies some fine dark cherry and raspberry fruit interlaced by Chinese five-spice, lavender and wild heather. The palate is powerful and full-bodied with a very intense entry of pure dark berries intermingled with balsamic and Asian spices, a core of ripe black currant and a dense, grippy finish. It displays impressive length and persistency, though it will remain impenetrable for the first 5-6 years of its life. Drink 2017-2030. Visiting Alvaro Palacios was a must during my trip to Priorat, the dynamo and tour de force that has propelled Priorat to the forefront of the Spanish wine scene. The modern architecture of his hilltop winery lies in stark contrast to the nearby village Gratallops, where houses huddle as if sheltering from a raincloud that will never come. Indeed, as we parked the car, the village’s P.A. system was announcing that there would be no running water for the next two hours, indicating how precious a commodity water is. People suffer as well as vines. Since his debut in 1989, Alvaro’s wines have built a formidable reputation with prices to match. Fortunately, he pays as much attention to quality at the lower end of his range: a bottle bearing his name must meet his exacting standards. I listened as Alavaro expounded the greatness of Garnacha, convinced that the identity of Priorat lies in this grape variety and Carinena, rather than Cabernet Sauvignon. A man of his word, he is therefore reducing the percentage of Cabernet in his flagship L’Ermita and it would not surprise me if it is phased out entirely in the future. Personally, I think an already great wine is greater for it. He also rhapsodized about his nascent 2010s, which he feels are not as “heavy” as his 2009s and constitute “very enchanting wines,” something I completely agree with. Most of these wines were tasted in Priorat, augmented by one or two tastings held in London. Importer: Mannie Berk, The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484; and www.bbr.com in the UK.

Black cherry, smoke, mineral and garrigue notes mingle in this harmonious red, whose polished texture shows a good balance of acidity and light, firm tannins. Not muscular, but intense. Drink now through 2017. 1,200 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add