Els Pics, Bodegas Mas Alta 2013

This is a joint venture between famed Rhône négociant Michel Tardieu, his oenologist Philippe Cambie and importer Eric Solomon. From the area of Priorat known as the Vilella Alta, these are high-density vineyards planted more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The vines average between 15 to 60 years old. The final blend of the 2013 Black Slate is 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged for one year in French oak (60% new and 40% one-year-old). The color is inky/bluish/purple. The wine offers up notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur mixed with wet rocks, spring flowers and graphite, followed by a full-bodied, dense, multidimensional wine with fabulous intensity, loads of burgeoning complexity and a precise and lush feel to the palate. Tannins are present, but silky and well-integrated. This is a seamless, beautifully made wine that sells for a song, considering the quality and complexity it possess. Drink over the next 5-8 years.