The deep ruby/purple-colored 1991 offers an attractive, youthful nose of cassis and smoky new oak, full body, admirable extraction, a layered feel, and moderate tannin in the finish. These impressive wines are all made from a blend of approximately 48% Garnacha, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remainder small quantities of Syrah, Merlot, and Mazuelo. The wines are aged in small French oak casks for 15-18 months and bottled without filtration. They are opaquely-colored, full-bodied, powerful wines with excellent richness and a personality akin to a top-class Bordeaux, so much so that it would be interesting to insert a Clos de l'Obac in a blind tasting with first or second-growth Bordeaux. Even a superb palate would have trouble ferreting out the Spanish wine. Importer: Jorge Ordonez 39 Constance Road, West Roxbury, MA 02132; telephone (617) 327-1613; telefax (617) 323-0455. I am delighted to note that Jorge Ordonez is one of only a handful of wine importers who exclusively uses reefer (refrigerated) containers for shipment of all his wines.

This well-integrated red shows good balance and definition, with firm tannins underlying ripe black cherry, chocolate and light earthy flavors. Muscular but not clumsy, it should evolve well. Best after 1997. 400 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add