Etern 2013

"I had the chance to taste the 2013 Etern, because I was unlucky last time and the wine was corked. So, I had two vintages of the top red to compare, which is always interesting to see how the different growing conditions affect the wine. The oldest vineyards are selected for this cuvée, a blend of Cariñena with some 10% Garnacha from three small plots on slate soils. This wine matures in brand new French oak barrels of 225- and 300-liter capacity for one year before bottling. All that I could guess last time seems to be there, a mixture of bright red and black fruit, very subtle oak and a sense of freshness and harmony that made me go back to the glass to smell it over and over again. The character of Cariñena seems to dominate, slowly developing some aromas of violets and an earthy, tree bark-like sensation I often associate with the grape. The palate shows an unusual combination of power and elegance, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins that scream Priorat. It has very good freshness that makes it seem lighter than what it actually is. Long, clean and fresh, showing the character of the place and grape in an elegant way. There are 1,850 bottles produced."