Keeping the classical profile, the 2016 Clos Mogador has been fine tuned, reducing the French grapes, and it matured approximately 18 months in oak foudre and barriques. There is a lively sensation on the palate, vivacious and with very fine tannins. It has a meaty touch and feels really young , despite the long élevage. There is a strong mineral sensation on the palate, something that is a texture and mouthfeel rather than a flavor. This is an unusual, fresh vintage. 29,000 bottles produced.
The floral, aromatic and citrusy 2016 Espectacle del Montsant has unusual finesse and freshness. It's a powerful Garnacha that feels light on its feet but with great inner strength, refined tannins and great acidity. There is no oak, extraction or excess ripeness whatsoever, but the label says the wine is 16% alcohol! It has structure, freshness and that citrus touch that supports the alcohol, and the wine comes through as really balanced. This is a unique wine, always with the aromatic signature of this north-facing vineyard and the limestone soils that provide those chalky tannins and a dry, tasty, almost salty finish. 6,500 bottles produced.
The 2016 Manyetes Vi de Vila Gratallops combines the rustic personality of the warm place—the slate soils and the old Cariñena vines—and the freshness of the 2016 vintage. It has those telltale notes of graphite and wet slate, some tree bark-like aromas and an earthy touch, intermixed with violets, wild herbs and berries. Simply stunning!
The white from Clos Mogador, the 2016 Nelin has concentration and a juicy palate with a flinty/reductive twist that makes it somewhat funky/austere. It matured for one year in oak foudre and six months in stainless steel before bottling. This is a blend of six grape varieties (but with a base of Garnacha Blanca), and the wine has great complexity and nuance. It fermented very slowly and for a long time, and like the other 2016s, it has notable acidity that compensates the alcohol, making it unnoticeable. This wine has changed over time, and now it shows no oak whatsoever. 8,500 bottles produced.
