Mas d’en Caçador Vi de Paratge 2022

Mas d'en Caçador is a Priorat red from Vall-Llach, the estate founded in Porrera by the Catalan musician Lluís Llach and his partner Enric Costa. The Vi de Paratge is Garnacha grown on the licorella, the steep slate and quartz soils that define Priorat. These poor, fractured soils force the roots deep in search of water and yield tiny, concentrated berries, while the hot, dry climate and the heat held by the slate drive full ripeness and the wine's fifteen percent alcohol. Ageing runs to ten months in Austrian oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves rounds the firm tannins and adds a measured frame of spice and smoke while preserving the fruit. The wine is a deep ruby with bluish highlights. The nose opens with ripe red fruit, sweet pepper and liquorice over a smoky, mineral base. The palate is full and structured, the slate-driven grip and ripe tannin balanced by acidity through a long, savoury finish. Serve at seventeen to eighteen degrees with a decant, alongside grilled red meat, lamb or game.