100% Garnacha from 15 different plots of 100 year old vines. Perfumed, wild strawberry fruit nose, with fresh cherries and some subtle currant notes. Very elegant. Sweetness of ripe berry fruit on attack. Mineral texture on the mid palate. Juicy and focused with the intensity of old vine fruit clearly evident. Tannins of incredible finesse give balanced structure. Almost burgundian bright fruit and freshness.

Established in 2000, Celler Ripoll Sans is based in, what is for many, the spiritual home of Priorat; the town of Gratallops, towards the southwestern part of the DOQ. As one heads towards this South Western corner there is more warmth resulting in a greater richness of fruit. The town of Gratallops still benefits from the significant vein of llicorella (a crumbly slate) that runs through this central section of Priorat. The Closa Batllet wines show a wonderful freshness and mineral cut. These are intense yet relatively supple wines.

From young vines around Gratallops, this is a blend of 64% Garnacha, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 2% Merlot. This is Batllet's young vine cuvée and displays fresh, easy, blueberry fruit characters on nose and palate. While it has a lighter body and easy drinkability, this is not a wine without substance or typicity. Instead, it provides classic Priorat character at an appealing price. A great introduction to the style of the region.

From vineyards in Gratallops, many about 90-years-old, this is a blend of 58% Carinena, 21% Garnacha, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 3% Syrah, and aged in predominantly French oak barrels for 15 months. This is an extremely fine example of classic Priorat. Beautiful fruit expression so typical of Closa Batllet. Pure and focused, the fruit is ripe and full. On the palate the wine is packed with concentrated red and black berry fruit. With a clean and delicate finish, the harmony is sensational, less mineral than some but long, fresh and focused nonetheless.

Celler del Pont is a tiny "garage" operation in the heart of Priorat. Montse Nadal produces a single wine of superb quality from just five hectares of vineyards, three of which are of Carinena and Garnacha vines older than 50 years and planted on steep slopes rich in llicorella. Lo Givot is a wine of great power, intense minerality and great potential longevity. Robert Parker gave the 2005 vintage 94 points.

The aromas are of dark chocolate, black plum and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is powerful and juicy, with tastes of dark skinned fruit and cocoa. Mouthcoating, thickly textured, yet with a strong mineral vein and beautifully taut, fresh, vibrant acidity combined with incredibly fine, well-integrated tannins results in a stunning example of Priorat's potential. A classic blend of Garnacha and Cariñena with just a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.