1998 Costers del Siurana Clos de l'Obac
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The 1998 Clos de l'Obac, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Carignan, is outstanding. While many Prioratos can be super-rich, thick-textured efforts, Clos de l'Obac represents a more elegant, restrained effort from this highly promising, relatively new appellation. Bottled unfiltered, and made from meager yields of .5 tons of fruit per hectare, this opaque ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers up notes of black raspberries intertwined with strawberry and cherry fruit. As it sits in the glass, mineral and subtle oak aromas emerge. Beautifully-textured and pure, with high tannin, it is a wine of undeniable elegance, finesse, and concentration. It requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15+ years. This is unquestionably the most stylish, restrained, high quality wine emerging from Priorato. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Red-ruby. Complex nose combines red berries, cherry, mint, currant leaf, dark chocolate and lead pencil. Bright and juicy, with pliant but nicely delineated flavors of cassis, flowers and tobacco leaf. A distinctly elegant style of Priorat wine, without the roasted ripeness of most other examples. Harmonious acids and firm tannins give this persistent wine solid structure for aging. A very strong vintage for Clos de L'Obac.