2004 Isaral Escoda Rivero Prioratproduct-pdf - Priorat, Spain DOQ Why We're Drinking It Priorat is the stairway to Spanish wine heaven. Wines that have become something of a cult drinking and cellaring experience, collectors and those seeking something exciting for the palate have found the region to be the place to turn for beautiful wine production. Underscoring the fact; this wine here. Priorat from a small family winery renowned for artisan production, its 90+ points of Spanish splendor.

Located in the central part of the comarca, Priorat is synonymous with Spain’s most famous wine. Wines crafted from the small region of Catalonia, that sits on the hills and mountains inland of Tarragona, production here is incredibly small, with the region about 1/12 the size of Rioja. Rich with history (the area has been making wine for centuries); it was the new-wave of talented wine makers in the early 90's that really took this region to the big stage. Producers like Isaral Escoda; a winery led by the third generation of the family to grow grapes in Priorat and craft wines of sophisticated distinction.

Showcasing the beautiful qualities of well made Priorat, this is a wine composed of 60% Carinena, 20% Garnacha, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Production aged for 12 months in French and American oak, the result is a wine that’s dark ruby in the glass with a striking, big bouquet of black cherry, blueberry cedar and mineral. Full-bodied and truly mouthwatering, it’s well balanced drinking for today; what’s going to evolve wonderfully in the next 5-7 years for a complex wine experience in time.

Recommended by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (earning 90+ points); Stephen Tanzer (90 points) and our Panel (91 points for how the wine’s drinking today), it’s a wine that deserves your attention. Sourced for Premier Members with 50% savings, (the lowest price online today), it’s for those who appreciate Priorat or have a desire to explore the intensity; either way, a wine to enjoy. Tasting Notes Deep red. Intensely perfumed nose offers an array of red berry and forest VARIETAL floor qualities brightened by suave baking spices and flowers. Medium in Red Blend weight, with bright cherry and red berry liqueur flavors complicated by anise APPELLATION and mocha. Supple tannins build on the close, adding structural support to Priorat, Spain DOQ (Catalunya) the sweet fruit. ALCOHOL 14.50 SIZE 750ml BLEND Besides tradional grape varieties, grenache and carignan, Priorat region Red Blend has two additonal differential characteristics, with great influence on final AGING/COOPERAGE product: the soil and the climate. 12 months in French and American oak Soil is composed mainly by “licorella”, the typical and characteristic soil of the DOQ Priorat. They are stony soils, poor in organic material. Vineyards grown in this area provide stong and complex wines, with typical mineral notes, and with a unique personality.

The climate is determined but the county situation and its rough orography. The climate is mediterranean, with continental traits. Mediterranean due to its proximity to this sea, and to Ebro river valley. But being surrounded by mountains, specilly La Vilella Alta area, they stop sea influences. It rains very little. Between 300 and 600 liters / m2 yearly. Summer is very hot, and winter is cold. There is a big difference of temperature between day and night. This factor helps a slow grape ripeness, providing fruits richer in sugars, polyphenols and aroma.

Curious to learn more about Spanish wines? Check out this blog for some great insight.

The Story to Know This is a small family winery that produces two artisanal wines in Priorat. Juan José Escoda Rivero (Jou) is the owner and the third generation of the family to grow grapes in Priorat. Jou has the assistance of Toni Coca as winemaker.

If you want to see an example of how tough the growing conditions can be in Priorat, the vineyards of Jou are a perfect example. Old vines, several more than 80 years old divided in a number of plots around the small village of La Villella Alta. All the vines are planted in the slopes of the mountains around the village, surrounded by rocks. Even the tough Land Rover of Jou has a hard time getting close to most of the vineyards. Some of them of you can only access by foot combining hiking and vineyard visit in a single event.

All the vineyard work is done by completely by hand with utmost care. This is an artisanal made wine made from some of the most beautiful and hard to work vineyards of the world. Jou has just fineshed this year a small winery in an old recovered stone house in the village of La Villella Alta that truly deserves a visit

Perfect Pairings What to enjoy alongside this wine? Try peppered steak, sausages, duck and goose and of course Spanish cheeses like Manchego.

Ratings 90+ Points - The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

90 Points - Stephen Tanzer

91 Points - Insider Rating

Reviews "The 2004 Isaral is composed of 60% Carinena, 20% Garnacha, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby colored, it has an attractive bouquet of cedar, mineral, black cherry, and blueberry. The wine is full-bodied, mouth-filling, and ripe but straightforward. However, the structure suggests that it will evolve for 5-7 years and that may provide additional complexity." Rated 90+ The Wine Advocate

Deep red. Intensely perfumed nose offers an array of red berry and forest floor qualities brightened by suave baking spices and flowers. Medium in weight, with bright cherry and red berry liqueur flavors complicated by anise and mocha. Supple tannins build on the close, adding structural support to the sweet fruit. -Josh Raynolds

Big nose with dark fruit characters, oak and a touch of alcohol. The palate is mouthwatering. It is bold and chewy but balanced with blackberry, black currant, spice and forest floor. Drinking beautifully now but will cellar nicely for 5+ years. Pair with spiced meats. 91 - JF

The 2004 Isaral is composed of 60% Carinena, 20% Garnacha, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby colored, it has an attractive bouquet of cedar, mineral, black cherry, and blueberry. The wine is full-bodied, mouth-filling, and ripe but straightforward. However, the structure suggests that it will evolve for 5-7 years and that may provide additional complexity. - tw