A blend of 92% Merlot & 8% Cab Franc, elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2012, deep Ruby with aromas of black fruits, complex spice and notes of forest floor. On the palate flavors blackberry and black cherry with notes of cacao, espresso and licorice. Fine smooth tannins, great mouthfeel, long finish ending with toasty cedar notes and earthy mineral character. Just starting to show beautifully and will for next decade. Nice! — a year ago
For an entry level this is an overachiever. Smoke, cream fraiche, mineral-laced citrus, yellow peach, -ripe apricot-, white pepper, elevated crescendo acidity, grippy texture with the right amount of phenolic bitterness! Intense and focused. Long finish. — 3 years ago
Popped and poured from a magnum; no formal notes. This is probably the third or fourth time I’ve had the 2014 Caravina and while it’s still quite primary, this is the best showing yet. Bright red and black fruits with tobacco, a whiff of bell pepper and some baking spices. Firm structure with grippy tannins. The acid is elevated but welcome, particularly since it helped to slice through the fat of the prime rib. Finish is long and satisfying. Drink now and through 2034. — a year ago
Pretty sure this is the one we had paired with the rack of lamb. It was so soft and smooth from the aging in concrete vats. Lightly fruity and not too heavy on the tannins, it elevated the lamb nicely so that the whole course was not heavy. — 2 years ago
Deep ruby/purple. Forest floor, clove, red currant, red cassis, vanilla, lean Cab Sauv texture. Dark cassis on the palate, cardamom. Chalky elevated tannins. In a good place already. — 9 months ago
The 2001 Le Clos du Caillou Reserve is probably the most thrilling effort made by the late Jean-Denis Vacheron. Deep garnet in color, the wine displays intense aromas of dried provence herbs, iodine, dried strawberries, red cherries and plums, blackberry liquor, leather, forrest floor and a dash of white pepper. Full-bodied, the palate is almost overwhelmed by insane levels of fruit concentration and elevated alcohol, but there is just enough acidity to keep everything in balance. The long lasting, persistent finish confirms a wine of outstanding quality. Drink now until 2030. — a year ago
Brightly fruited, firm tannin, moving towards tertiary with plenty of life left in the fruit. Roasted red plum, roasted black cherry, almost red currants. Hot earth, smoke, Ceylon, dried flowers, leather, juniper, creosote, white pepper. VA is elevated but works nicely for me, lift and almost tightens up the palate somewhat. Almost every 2014 Priorat I’ve had has been awesome and bright, distinctive minerality in spades — 2 years ago
James K
Elevated by the vintage. Over its arc, either lacked complexity or was defined by singular characteristics. Still, great showing. — 7 months ago