2005 Clos Erasmus Laurel
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Tasting notes
The Laurel cuvee is the result of extreme triage in the vineyards and cellar. It is produced 100% from the Clos Erasmus vineyards but from the more recent plantings and is the result of declassification of some of the barrels of Clos Erasmus. The wine is aged for 16 months in one year oak and bottled without fining or filtration. The blend is 65% Garnacha and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon with tiny yields of 14 hl/ha (about 1 ton an acre). Purple-colored it offers up a classic bouquet of smoke, cedar, mineral, black cherry, and black currant. Smooth-textured, rich, and deceptively easy-going, this full-flavored lengthy effort will evolve for 4-6 years but who will want to wait that long? Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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Not sure what the going rate for this wine is but the 2005 Clos Erasmus Priorat Laurel showed amazingly well and stood up to some tough company. Rich dark fruit, cassis, spice and chocolate notes make up the bulk of the aromas and this has awesome power, depth and richness. With air, oak, earth and subtle caramel notes show up. The palate is beautiful with nice texture, ripe, sweet fruit and massive tannins. The mid-palate shows slightly on the lean side but filled in beautifully with air and lead into a long finish.
(65% garnacha and 35% cabernet sauvignon) Bright ruby. Elegant and precise aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, complicated by floral and mineral qualities. At once silky and sharply focused, with bright red fruit flavors dominating. This suave wine finishes with vibrant dark berry flavors and impressive persistence.