I had two vintages of the old-vine cuvée to taste side by side, starting with the 2014 Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles. Made of 55% Cari?ena and 45% Garnacha from old vines on slopes on slate llicorella soils, the fermentation and aging are the same as for the centenary Carignan: fermentation in stainless steel with neutral yeasts and an élevage of 16 months in new French barriques. It has moderate alcohol and high acidity. It has already started developing some tertiary notes and shows some graphite and wet slate notes. The palate shows great balance, with concentration and freshness—what you're aiming for in a wine like this where pure power might be too much. 5,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2016.

Crisp and focused, this red shows crunchy black cherry and red plum fruit flavors, with licorice and light game notes. Light, firm tannins and tangy acidity give this structure. A bit tight; decant. Drink now through 2024. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 224 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add