I have long admired the soaring wines of Priorat. Harmonious, feminine and at times hugely intense, I had the chance to visit this wonderful region a few years back and was captivated by the rocky terrain and the terroir in the glass. Clos Mogador is one of the famed estates from Priorat. Even in the most challenging vintages, this wine impresses.
Winemaker René Barbier studied in Bordeaux and Burgundy before descending on Priorat some fifteen years back. He also previously worked at the famed Chateau Petrus before coming to Priorat. He is one of the famed winemakers of the region and his attention to detail shows in the glass. His vineyards are set on steep slopes with set on largely shale. The vineyards are set near the sea, so there is a wonderful saline streak to them that connects with the red fruits and marvelous tension. There is really no wine like this in the world.
The wine comes from an esteemed vintage in Priorat, one that saw some serious heat spikes through the summer and then cool evenings set in through August and September which made for some beautiful fruit. The 2015 Clos Mogador (WWB, 95) is up there with the best I have sampled. The wine shows a remarkable purity of fruit and tension. It is a special occasion wine that really needs to be enjoyed on its own. If enjoying young, be sure to give this beauty a two plus hour decant. Learn more about this world class winery at http://www.closmogador.com/ Here is the new release wine by Clos Mogador.
Clos Mogador is located near the town of Gratallops in the Priorat region, right near the ocean.
2015 Clos Mogador Red Wine- The 2015 Clos Mogador is a stunning bottling from this historic Priorat estate. Located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat hills, René Barbier, one of the founders of the Priorat revolution, crafts an incredible blend of 40% Garnacha (lauched from 80 year old vines), 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Straight out of the gate, the wine reveals downright sexy aromas of rose petals, red cherry preserves and roasted figs. Ripe and intense, this yields bright orange rind, red cherry and red raspberry with wild thyme and garrigue flavors. Intoxicating and beautifully structured, with a marvelous saline streak, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2035- 95