Clua El Sola D'en Pol Barrica Tinto 2005Product #20905
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Color/Type Red Country/State Spain Price $10 - $30 Producer Xavier Clua Region Other Spain Varietal Other Vintage 2005 -
Xavier Clua is among the most celebrated wine makers in the up-and-coming Terra Alta region, just southwest of Priorat. Born into a family with over four generations in wine making, Xavier is producing outstanding wines from carefully tended old-vine vineyards and a judicious blending of modern technology (temperature control, stainless) and wine making tradition (old basket presses and minimal intervention). The Mas d'en Pol Negre Barrica is a blend of Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot that receives about six months aging in French oak barrels. It's a rich but vibrant wine, with loads of ripe black fruit framed nicely by oak spice. The tannins are very fine and there's plenty of acidity here to keep it fresh on the finish. This has opened up very nicely over the past 9 months! Perfect with just about anything coming off the grill.
"The 2005 Mas d-en Pol Barrica Tinto is made up of 40% Garnacha, 20% Syrah, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It was aged for 8 months in French barriques. Dark ruby-colored, it gives up aromas of slate/mineral, spice box, black cherry, black currant, and incense. Racy and elegant on the palate, it, too, displays a bit of rusticity along with plenty of savory fruit, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a chewy finish. Drink this outstanding value over the next 6-8 years."Wine Advocate 91 points
