This lively red delivers bright flavors of tart cherry, licorice, mountain herbs and spice, staying bright and balanced. Light, firm tannins and citrusy acidity keep this focused and fresh. Generous and graceful. Drink now through 2026. 975 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add

The 2008 Ardiles is a blend of Garnacha, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, sourced from vines aged nine all the way up to 110 years. It is picked by hand and aged in French oak for 12 months. It has a very “controlled,” well-defined bouquet that allows the terroir to come through, subtle stony notes with touches of Provencal herbs infusing the red berry fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation on the entry, and supple but firm tannins and fine minerality and spice towards the finish, which relishes the slightly cooler growing season. In a word: delicious. Drink 2013-2025. Two superb 2008s were tasted from Merum Priorati, whose vineyards are located close to Porrera. It is a collaboration between oenologist Don Lewis and Narelle King, and according to their website, the objective is to create “a special wine, with something different.” They are doing just that. There are five vineyards that are treated separately until blending, upon which there is a selection of the best barrels. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

The 2007 Ardiles is 35% Garnacha, 30% Carinena balanced by Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from a mixture of old and young vines raised in 225-liter French oak. It has a developed nose of paprika, cured meat, leather and ripe cherries in liqueur with a polished, tasty palate revealing fine-grained tannins and good acidity, especially considering it was a warm vintage. It’s a good surprise when wineries sell mature wines. This is ready to drink now. Drink now-2017. Merum Priorati is owned by Pere Ventura from Penedes. I found the wines quite reliable and ready to drink. No known American importer.

This bright, juicy red is packed with cherry and berry flavors, sweetened with vanilla and deepened with a touch of mountain herbs. The tannins are firm but light, the finish clean. Drink now through 2012. 575 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add