Terroir al Limit, Priorat Les Tosses 2019

2-ha Les Tosses plot. At 600 meters of elevation, this grand cru vineyard is not only the highest in the Torroja del Priorat village, but also the first (2003) in the Terroir al Límit collection. It is the Matterhorn of winemaking. 90-year-old Carignan vines, steep black slate slopes, blazing southwestern exposition. Inspired by a cellar approach from the far-flung cool and fog-laden Burgundy hills, this wine is hand harvested, with whole cluster native fermentation, and then aged for 8 months in cement tanks.

There is a rugged, raw power to this wine. Opulent black fruits and rich aromas of smoke and spice swirl in the nearly black depths of the glass. Despite the initial hint of brawn, a serious, thoughtful character emerges with a bright, taut acidity and incredible momentum.