The 2009 Salmos is a blend 40% Garnacha, 40% Carinena and 20% Syrah aged for 16 months in French oak. It has a ripe, opulent bouquet with a slight smudge of alcohol: creme de cassis, blueberry jam, crushed violet and iodine. The palate is very soft and smooth on the entry. It is plush and ravishing with a rich, slightly alcoholic finish that needs taming. It just seems to lack a little finesse and personality. Drink 2014-2020.
Torres, who needs no introduction, owns two vineyards in Bellmunt and Porrera, their respective hot and cooler microclimates offering a degree of balance in their two Priorat offerings, Salmos and Perpetual. The wines are augmented by outsourced fruit and I was told that they are presently seeking more old vine Carinena.
Importer: Dreyfus Ashby, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770; www.dreyfusashby.com