A solid red, with plum, dark chocolate and mineral notes. The muscular tannins overshadow the fruit, but there's enough acidity for freshness and the fruit emerges on the finish. Carinena, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Syrah. Best after 2008. 600 cases imported.The 2004 Idus is made from fruit purchased from local growers cultivating small plots of old-vine Carinena and Garnacha. The wine consists of 45% Carinena, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah, a rather atypical blend for Priorat. Fifty percent of the wine went through malolactic fermentation in tank and 50% in barrel. Forty percent of the wine was then aged in new French oak and 60% in second year. The color is saturated purple and the aromatics quite restrained. With vigorous swirling, elements of smoke, earth, mineral, and blackberry reluctantly emerge. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and tightly wound although the raw materials are all there. The fruit is layered and concentrated, the components in balance, and there is enough structure for long-term cellaring. Give this wine 4-6 years of further bottle age and drink it through 2027. Although this wine is certain to have a long life, the real question is how much pleasure it will ultimately provide.
"Deep and dark, this is an excellent kitchen-sink blend (it includes Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet, Garnacha and Syrah). For those who like expressive, fruity, no-holds-barred wines, you?re gonna swoon for this. The palate is super lush and full of dark cherry, tobacco, herbs and spice, while the finish is mile-long. Outwardly impressive in a modern style."
