De Muller Lo Cabaló 2017

De Muller Lo Cabaló comes from the D.O.Q. Priorat in Catalonia, made by a winery founded in 1852 by a family of Alsatian winemakers, from high vineyards at El Molar. The blend brings together Garnacha Tinta, Merlot, Syrah and Cariñena. Priorat is defined by llicorella, a slate and quartz soil that forces vines to root deep for water and yields tiny, concentrated crops, giving the wine its dark fruit, firm structure and mineral depth. The hot, dry climate at altitude ripens the fruit fully while cool nights hold acidity. Ageing runs 15 months in French oak, where steady oxygen exchange softens the dense tannins and adds spice, cocoa and a fine grain. The 2017 is deep and concentrated, with plum and black cherry framed by black pepper, liquorice and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is full and structured, the tannins firm and the finish long. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant one to two hours ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meat and game.