La Vinya del Vuit 2018

La Vinya del Vuit is a Priorat red from a group of eight winemakers, among them Sara Pérez and René Barbier, who have met since 2001 to make a distinctive wine each year from old, restored vines using traditional methods. The name records the eight partners, vuit being eight in Catalan. The wine is led by Cariñena with a touch of Garnacha, drawn from a 70-year-old vineyard in Gratallops on the fragmented licorella slate that defines the D.O.Q. Priorat. This slate forces the roots deep in search of water, which restricts yields and concentrates the fruit, while giving the wine its hallmark mineral, smoky character. The old vines add depth and balance. The wine ages 19 months in oak barrels, which knit the powerful tannins together and add spice and structure through slow oxygen exchange. It pours a deep, dark red. The nose shows ripe red fruit such as cherry and raspberry over a stony, mineral base with a gentle floral and herbal lift. The palate is full and structured, with concentrated fruit, firm tannins and the licorella minerality running through to a long finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with rich roasted meats and game.