2022 Les Aubaguetes, Álvaro Palacios, Priorat, Spain

Tank sample. 86% Garnacha, 13% Cariñena, 1% Garnacha Blanca/Macabeo. From the Les Aubaguetes area in the village of Bellmunt del Priorat. Álvaro Palacios noted the uniqueness of this site, positioned in a steep-sided valley which retains moisture. Vineyard 1.79 ha, yield 14.52 hl/ha. 3,200 bottles produced.

Reductive elements abound. It manages to have weight and plush texture while being tight and grippy at the same time. Savoury notes balance the rich dark-fruit flavours. This is a very distinctive Priorat with great ageing potential. 

Drink 2026 - 2040

The 2022 Les Aubaguetes blend 86% Garnacha, 13% Cariñena and 1% white varieties. It is cut from a different cloth from the preceding La Baixada. This is backward, sultry, and standoffish at first, opening reluctantly with aeration and dark berry fruit, melted tar, and candied orange peel hints. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins. Classic in style, not austere, but with a fine backbone, this is a Priorat that deserves time in the cellar. It is not completely unapproachable since there is underlying elegance, yet one feels it is hiding something up its sleeve to reward the patient oenophile.

Drink 2028 - 2048

Bottled in March 2024, producing around 3,200 bottles.

The 2022 Les Aubaguetes comes from 1.79 hectares planted in the early 1900s 122 years old!) on blue slate soils and surrounded by trees in the village of Bellmunt del Priorat. This 2022 wine is 86% Garnacha, 13% Cariñena and 1% white grapes. During the native fermentation in oak vats with some full clusters, it had a shortish maceration of 23 days. It should complete 14 months in oval oak foudres before it's bottled. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.49 and 4.68 grams acidity. It has a slightly darker profile this year, with notes of liquorice and an earthy touch. It has abundant, slightly dusty tannins that coat your mouth. This is going to require a little more time.

Drink 2026 - 2035

3,200 bottles produced. Gran Vinya Classificada.

A lovely vintage of Les Aubaguetes comes from the southerly village of Bellmunt. This is the first vintage of this wine categorised as Gran Vinya Classificada to join the handful declared. It’s a deserving award for the singular character of the north-facing vineyard, a wine that speaks of the slate soils of its origin. The Garnacha is blended with 13% Cariñena and 1% of the white grapes Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca. Dense, with black fruits, red cherries and a sense of slate. It’s very long and fresh.

Drink 2025 - 2040