Clos i Terrasses Laurel Priorat 2018 (Magnum 1.5L)

Clos i Terrasses has grown to be one of the finest producers of Priorat – and this magnum of their Laurel 2018 blend is an absolute work of art! 96 points, over $50 off the winery price, and shipping on two or more bottles makes this the large-format red wine of the year in our books!

Daphne Glorian grew up in France and Switzerland before planting herself in Spain. As a law student in France in her 20s, she worked as an office manager for English Master of Wine Kit Stevens, where she met René Barbier and Álvaro Palacios, who vibrantly shared their love of Priorat with her. Their influence led her to traveling to the destination herself, and ultimately falling in love with the land and launching her own label there. She leaned on René and Álvaro for advice with her first vintages while calling in experience from her time in Burgundy, where she first discovered fine wine – and today, her Priorat is some of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed of our time, receiving multiple 100 point scores from leading critics and global recognition from wine savants everywhere.

Laurel is her second wine – after the ever-popular Clos Erasmus – though in no part second place in expressiveness or quality. Coming from younger vines of Garnatxa (grenache) planted in Aubagues, as well as Garnatxa, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the warm locale of Socarrats and Garnatxa and Syrah from Guinarderes – the grapes’ growing sites play a massive role in the concentrated and elegant final product that is Laurel. The 2018 is made up of 70% Grenache, with 15% each Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, fermenting mostly in oak and 2,000-liter concrete vats before aging for 18 months in 20,000-liter oak and concrete vats, second-use barrels, and a selection of clay amphorae. Just over 500 magnums were produced (and shy of 23,000 regular bottles) – and we did everything we could to secure nearly 20% of those. This is super rare, incredibly artisanal, and mighty impressive Priorat for a price that’s decidedly approachable.

This magnum of the 2018 vintage offers perfumed aromas of orange zest, lilacs, violets, and lavender, alongside deep, ethereal flavors of Damson plum, explosive cranberries, black licorice, blood orange, more floral sensations, and a touch of stony gravel and sea air minerality. Its velvety texture, liquid-smooth tannins, and long finish make it a joyfully easy sipper already, and a memorable choice for special occasions. 96 points and under $100 for a worldwide sensation of a wine – a MAGNUM, at that – is a terrific opportunity for you to collect something truly special and impressive. Your next celebration (and those in attendance) will thank you!

PAIRING IDEAS: Something hearty is on order with a bright, exuberant wine such as this – let’s opt for creamy chicken croquetas with ham and gruyere cheese folded inside, with a side of crispy roasted brussels sprouts with chorizo, goat cheese, and shaved almonds.