2022 Clos Erasmus

The 2022 Clos Erasmus from Gratallops, Priorat, is composed of 80% Garnatxa and 20% Syrah, fermented in vat and aged in barrel. Aromas include balsamic, menthol, black fruit, black cherry and oak, with subtle notes of coconut, vanilla, acetone and plum. The palate is broad and velvety, with juiciness and fine integrated acidity. Rich, flavorful and defined, it is long and solar in expression.

There was a note in the nose of the 2022 Clos Erasmus that explained that it's friends with the Laurel. In 2022, the Syrah behaved quite well, and some of the Syrah from Erasmus went to Laurel because she didn't want too much Syrah in Erasmus, which can represent perhaps 20% of the blend with a majority of Garnacha. There's aromatic complexity and nuance, with tender notes of wild berries and flowers, some pit fruit, a touch of earth and some sweet spices and smoke. The meaty effect of the Syrah is more noticeable after one hour in the glass. It's medium-bodied, and the palate this year surprised me, because the wine is really fine-boned and elegant, without lacking ripeness or clout. This is certainly not shy at 15.5% alcohol. The tannins are super fine and elegant, with an ethereal quality to them. It's still quite young but approachable. 3,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024.