Clos de l’Obac 2015

Costers del Siurana, founded by Carles Pastrana and Mariona Jarque in Gratallops, was among the small group of growers who brought Priorat back to prominence from the 1980s. Clos de l'Obac is its long-standing flagship, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Cariñena, Merlot and Syrah. Priorat's defining feature is llicorella, the steep terraced soil of decomposed slate and quartz that forces vines to root deep for water and yields tiny, concentrated crops. The Mediterranean climate with strong sun and poor soils gives ripe fruit and high alcohol, here 15 percent, while the slate lends the mineral, graphite character that marks the appellation. Twelve months in French oak softens the tannins and adds structure through gradual oxygen exchange. The colour is a medium-layered ruby. The nose shows red fruit, with cherry and redcurrant over plum, black pepper, liquorice and a stony minerality. The palate is full and structured, the tannins firm but ripe, with a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.