2008 Clos Erasmus Priorat

99 points The Wine Advocate. "Always a benchmark against which all other Priorats must be measured, the 2008 Clos Erasmus is a great success. It consists of 80% Garnacha, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 22 months in new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color with an already complex bouquet of mineral, pain grille, Asian spices, tar, tapenade, and black cherry, on the palate it is dense, rich, and full-bodied with an elegance belying its size. Layered and opulent, it conceals enough structure to evolve for 6-8 years. It will deliver a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2028, perhaps longer. It is a true tour de force!"