2013 Clos Erasmus "Laurel" Priorat

Brilliant ruby. Heady, mineral-laced aromas of candied red fruit, Indian spices and rose pastille. Juicy and incisive on the palate, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness and spiciness in the glass. Packs a powerful punch but comes off lithe and precise, with alluring sweetness and a touch of candied rose on the gently tannic finish. This suave wine was aged in a combination of French oak tanks, barrels and clay amphoras for 18 months. (JR)