2017 Black Slate - Gratallops
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Tasting notes
B lend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah on llicorella. When Cecilio Vincent settled in the Priorat he married into a vineyard-owning family. The vines had been neglected, so Cecilio set about restoring them, and in 1942 he began bottling his own wines in a small stable that he renovated into a cellar which is still in operation today. Eric Solomon of European Cellars imports this into the US. Mid healthy garnet, heady nose and so svelte and polished on the palate. A strange and delightful mix of sweet, gentle palate entry and dry, slaty, minerally finish. Blackberry/elderberry fruit lifted by tension. I'd choose to drink this with something quite salty, perhaps chorizo? GV (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De La Vila comes from a warmer region in the Priorat and has a more powerful, ripe, opulent style compared to the Porrera cuvée, which comes from a cooler region. A huge nose of mulled cherries, dried earth, spice, and dusty pebble-like minerality gives way to a medium to full-bodied Priorat that has ripe tannins, an opulent, sexy texture, and a great finish. It’s another wine from Solomon that has classic Priorat character, is impeccably balanced, and drinks way above its humble price point. Don’t miss it! The blend is 58% Grenache, 32% Carignan, and 10% Syrah, aged 12 months in 20% new French oak.