Les Mines 2005 RED Spain

World-famous wine expert Robert Parker writes of Priorat that it was "an historic but forgotten region until twenty years ago" when a "new wave" of winemakers claimed back the region's hillside vineyards and began to carve out a reputation for its rich deeply fruited wines. The secret to Priorat's recent success is its soil which is not really soil at all but a dense slate and quartz mix called "Llicorella". Years ago this tough mineral-rich land was mined - hence the name 'Les Mines' - but this rugged terroir also proves perfect for growing grapes ... the vines have to struggle through it to find moisture and in doing so pick up traces of mineral and nutrients that help the grapes achieve such intense flavours. A complex blend of Garnacha Carignan and Merlot Les Mines counts Hugh Johnson among its many fans: "deep-coloured and flavoured like spicy plums roundly fills the mouth then tweaks the palate with juicy freshness. A bargain for a region in high demand. Excellent."

Per bottle price from: £12.99
Merchant: Sunday Times Wine Club
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