Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Alvaro Palacios |
Vintage | 2021 |
Country | Spain |
Region | Priorat |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Stock | 0 |
The 2021 L'Ermita is a legend in the making, with 13.9% alcohol, the lowest ever, mind-boggling finesse and detail, purity, symmetry, elegance and great freshness that makes it vibrant with a low pH of 3.31 and 6.18 grams of acidity. These parameters should make it long-lived, and the wine is going to be vibrant and develop citrus nose of grapefruit and orange peel. It's a powerful wine with plenty of energy, abundant tannins, even more fine and elegant than those from the 2020 I tasted next to it, and with great balance. It has a high percentage of Cariñena, much higher than the 2020, and comes down to 75% Garnacha, 24% Cariñena and 1% whites. They expect to produce some 2,800 bottles of this 2021 in April 2023.
Take your time to appreciate this beauty. This is different from the richer and more opulent 2020, instead, it is more mineral, with a rather thick shield of minerality that makes it feel ethereal yet protective. Finely ground white pepper, violets, herbs and a hint of bacon and slate to the blue and red berries. Medium to full body on the palate with melted tannins and a long, bracing finish. Such energy, flair and harmony here. Can’t expect more. Drink or hold.