Clos Mogador 2001

Priorat is "where it's at" for the new wave of Spanish winemaking. Concentrated stunners of exceptional quality are clawing their way up from the remote, rocky, and inhospitable hills of northeastern Spain. Viticulture and viniculture are nothing new to the region, but a re-discovery of sorts began in the 1980s, with big-name winemakers applying modern techniques and earning global recognition. Rene Barbier of Clos Mogador has earned a place at the top of this region's producer list. He extracts juice of great structure and power from his fruit, all with the help of an olive press, which ensures even higher concentration from the already highly concentrated Priorat varietals. Minimal yields of 80-year old Carinena, as well as younger Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, and Syrah are are hand-harvested from the schist soils in the village of Gratallops. Clos Mogador produces limited quantities of three wines: Clos Mogador (35% Garnacha, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carinena); Clos Manyetes (70% Carinena, 20% Garnacha, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah); and Clos Nelin Joven (50% Garnacha Blanca, 30% Viognier, and 20% Pinot Noir).