This is a really, really good wine. It would have lived a few more years easily, but I just couldn't wait any longer. Honestly, it's really nice to break the habit of enjoying too-aged wines that seem to have started their downward spiral. This is partly my fault, as my day job keeps me away from home for long periods of time. So naturally when I saw this wine in the cellar, I became a little scared and decided to open it. To my surprise, it was absolutely fantastic! It's times like this where I want to be a wine entrepreneur again; pitching wonderful and exciting cuvees that I truly believe in to the world. Naturally, this is one of them.
"Cims" is Spanish for summits, and the geography of the winery plays an integral part in the wines of Cims de Porrera. Each vineyard sits on the steep, rocky slopes above the village of Porrera in the D.O.Q. Priorat, at an altitude of 1300 to 2000 feet. This rugged terrain demands meticulous harvesting by hand, and wines remain with their separate vineyard blocks until final blending. The combination of unique black slate soils, a rich variety of micro-climates and vines older than 60 years results in widely-recognized wines of exceptional quality. Cims de Porrera was founded by the Pérez family, one of five pioneering wine families who rediscovered the now-renowned region in the late 1980s. Only five grape varieties are cultivated in the area surrounding Porrera—Cariñena, Garnacha (Grenache), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah; the 2002 Solanes—the second label of Cims de Porrera—combines all of them to create an ambitious, distinctive blend. Winemaker Adria Pérez, son of founder Luis, also produces the Classic in only the finest vintage years. These discerning procedures have secured the label’s reputation, and Cims de Porrera sells up to 75% of their wine internationally.
Tasting:
Inky black in the glass, but as the contents are consumed it reveals more of a beautiful purple hue. I haven't seen this color in a while. The nose is full of pencil shavings, graphite, raisins, black cherries, vanilla, toast, oak, chocolate and violets. Yes, plenty of floral notes going on here. Not too obnoxious, but enough to add beautifully to this fantastic crafted wine. In the mouth, it is super fleshy, but with no tannins (although there's chunky sediment at the bottom of the glass). A long chocolate-cherry finish. Perfectly balanced. Must buy more now!
Yes, go out and buy it now before it's all gone. This wine fetches upward of $90 per bottle, but can still be found around $60 or so if you research. 94 points - Wine Advocate: Ripe, almost roasted, with black cherry, wild herb, licorice and black pepper notes. Has rich, round tannins and good concentration, but remains balanced and generous, with a spicy finish. Best after 2004. -TM November 15 2003
91 points - Wine Spectator: The 2001 Cims de Porrera Classic is just that…a classic Priorat with lots of flavor and depth, with rich texture and a long finish. Cims is amongst the top tier of the appellation with wines that are the region’s best. The 2001 Classic is an award winning, highly rated Priorat that is truly worthy of cellaring. This is Priorat with no skimping…dark, rich and drinkable.
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