The 2009 Elios is a blend of 55% Garnacha, 35% Carinena and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It demonstrates the best clarity and composure on the nose, with lifted blackberry and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, rounded tannins. There are attractive subtle, earthy notes towards the finish and even if it lacks a bit of backbone, it is well-made wine. Drink now-2017.
I must confess, I was disappointed with the wines from Costers del Priorat, even more so when I later discovered the prices for wines such as Clos Cypres. They seemed to fall into the cliche of ostentatious, overripe Priorat wine that assumes that more is always better. Perhaps it is no surprise that if I had to choose any of the three tasted, I would opt for the perfectly sound “Elios,” the cheapest wine, because it comes across as less manipulated.
Importer: F.L. Navarro, Quality Wines of Spain, New York, NY; tel. (212) 842-8181