2001 Vall Llach
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Tasting notes
Still almost primary and incredibly powerful and rich, the 2001 Celler Vall Llach Priorat Vall Llach, a blend of 65% Cariñena, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, shows dense black fruits, coffee, licorice, and iodine qualities on the nose. With air, more olive, graphite, meat, and minerality emerges and while this has serious levels of fruit, it nevertheless doesn’t feel heavy or lack for complexity in the least. Full-bodied on the palate and decadently textured, with superb mid-palate concentration, and ripe tannin, this blockbuster styled Priorat needs an additional 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well through 2026.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Very deep crimson with some evolution. Ripe to overripe nose. Some acidity – certainly this wine pushes the limits of ripeness but does manage to show some refreshment – though the tannins a bit oak-dominated so that the finish is somewhat unappetising. Furry. (JR)
The flagship cuvee, the 2001 Vall Llach, was fashioned from 65-year old Carignan vines (50%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). It spent 17 months in new French oak prior to bottling. This deep ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits great intensity, a beautifully textured mid-palate, and a 45-second finish. Pure notes of minerals, raspberries, flowers, and black fruits cascade over the palate in this multidimensional 2001. Drink it over the next 12 years Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Very, very deep blackish crimson. Blackberry and winning and slightly jammy. Very, very sweet. Acidity sticks out. Good effort. (JR)