The 2008 Les Terrasses Vinyes Velles is the same blend as the Camins cuvee but is aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak. It offers greater complexity both aromatically and on the palate. Smoothly-textured, intense, plush, and spicy, it opens up nicely in the glass with floral (lavender), mineral, pepper, and black cherry notes reappearing in the robust finish. Alvaro Palacios established his namesake winery in 1989. The flagship L’Ermita made its debut in 1993. Finca Dofi and L’Ermita vineyards are farmed biodynamically. All of the wines are bottled without filtration. In 2008 Palacios was the last grower in Priorat to harvest, waiting out rains that diluted other growers’ fruit. It appears that 2009 was a slightly more successful vintage for Alvaro Palacios (and most Priorat producers) than was 2008. All of the 2009s were tasted from barrel samples at the Bodega in January 2011. Importer: Mannie Berk, The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA; tel. (800) 999-4342; www.rarewineco.com