Ripoll Sans, Priorat, Closa Batllet

Sixteen years since vintage and it has become quite old Rioja: deep aromas of cherry soda, ferrous minerals and leather. Also notes of petals of rosses and green apple. There is even a sweet touch that is not confirmed on the palate. In the mouth it maintains that expected power but at this point with finesse. Good acidity and silk texture. Also good length and a delicious aftertaste. A balanced wine although alcohol burns a little in the stomach. Give …

Dallas 2nd Wednesday Group - March 2009 : WIML91+/-? Tasted non blind. Opened and served immediately. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of potpourri, soapstone, white pepper, a hint of leather, black cherries and black berries. Flavors of black licorice, black cherries and black berries. Medium to bright acidity, medium tannins, full bodied. Drink or hold.

WIML90? Tasted June 11, 2008 at an offline. Opened and served immediately. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of spcie, saddle soap and rich red fruits. Flavors of cherries, berries and red licorice. Vibrant acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Good wine but a definite hold. Too yound and tight at the moment. Guessing around the WIML90 point mark.

Consistent with previous note (March 2006), though the odd citrus note wasn't present this time. Very good, but not outstanding.

Complex nose of strawberry, blackberry, and Asian spices, with hints of leather and a bright citrus edge. In the mouth, black fruit and cassis, and the citrus returns as kumquats. Interesting and enjoyable, but a little odd. This bottle was still good, but not typical of the couple bottles of 2001 I'd enjoyed previously, which were more typical, more integrated, international Priorat wines, showing more oak and richer fruit, and which I'd rate around 92-94, and which were, at $35, …