L'Ermita 2020

„2020 was a low-yielding year because of mildew, so there are only 1,441 bottles of the 2020 L'Ermita, which reflects the variability in the old Garnacha vines. It was produced with a blend of 92% Garnacha, 7% Cariñena and 1% Garnacha Blanca Macabeo and PX. The difference between this and the 2020 Les Aubaguetes is the finesse and subtleness of L'Ermita and the class and quality of the tannins. L'Ermita carries the category of Gran Vinya Classificada, the top of the official vineyard classification in Priorat.”

„An insane nose that makes you feel on top of the world. You need to pour this in the glass at least one hour in advance, and then it gradually starts to talk more and more, getting better and better, offering beautiful aromas of crushed violets, wild flowers, minerals, crushed blueberries, dark cherries and hints of spice, lard and moss. Great depth to both the nose and palate. Juicy and composed, with so many tiny grains of ultra-fine tannin that seep through during the subtle yet endless finish. Lingers for minutes. Drink now if you want, but decant it properly. Better after 2025.”

„According to Alvaro Palacios, L’Ermita is, 'an iceberg in Priorat', given its distinctive green slate and quartz soils. The harvest is never early, even in the early years. An exceptional showcase of Garnacha: one of the variety’s great exemplars. The wine is refined but nevertheless powerful. There’s a sumptuous aroma of a ripe summer, with notes of hot slate. Enters the mouth full and fleshy with dark fruits, a saline grip, and a firm texture of tannin. A sense of real confidence, expressing its unique place. 1,660 bottles produced.”

„80 to 100 year old vines. 100% Garnacha (since 2006). Pure black fruit, and a wonderful breadth of flavour. The youthful fruit is so succulent and appealing, it is tempting to drink it young – but the concentration and formative length really deserves extensive ageing. A tour de force.“

„Klares Kirschrubin mit leicht blauen Reflexen. Ebenfalls noch verschlossen, grosse Dichte mit roten säuerlichen Früchten, feinster Würze, einem Anklang von Graphit, komplex und tiefgründig. Unglaubliche Textur, sowohl seidig wie dicht und frisch in Einem, dann setzt eine ausserordentliche Spannung und Dramatik mit vibrierenden Tanninen ein, die enorm in die Länge drängen und dabei reizvolle Fruchtnoten wie Himbeeren und Sauerkirschen, auch Rauch und Tabak sowie eine deutliche Schiefermineralik freisetzen, superbe Balance. Ein ganz grosser Wurf. 1.600 Flaschen.”

Álvaro Palacios ist WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR 2022 by TIM ATKIN

Álvaro Palacios wurde vom Decanter zum Man of the Year 2015 gewählt

Peter Sisseck, Dominio de Pingus: