Clos Mogador Priorat 2012

98 points Luis Gutierrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2012 Clos Mogador is nothing short of spectacular. They started in 1999 with some Cariñena, and they gradually increased the Garnacha and reduced the Cabernet. 2012 is possibly the vintage of Mogador with less Cabernet, as it didn't behave well in such warm year. René Barbier senior tells me it reminds him of the freshness of the 2000 that he generously uncorked for me to compare; they only have a handful of bottles for the old vintages! The nose of this 2012 is still little reticent but not reduced like many vintages in the past, slowly showing a great Mediterranean-Atlantic balance with notes of herbs, wet slate and graphite. The super-elegant palate offers great acidity and freshness with incredibly layered and delineated flavors that have an electric, mineral sensation with tension and really fine tannins. There are no traces of oak and no edges... rugged silk? This is a Mogador for decades. If this is always a bargain for the quality it delivers, it is even more so in 2012! Drink: 2015-2027. (Jun 2015)"

97 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Colour: deep cherry;Aroma: ripe fruit, fruit expression, complex, powerful, mineral;Flavour: good structure, balsamic, long, spicy, flavourful. (Jun 2016)"

95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Glass-staining violet color. Explosive spice- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, pipe tobacco and woodsmoke, joined by a sexy floral nuance. The fleshy, sweet, expansive palate offers concentrated blueberry and cherry compote flavors, along with suggestions of licorice and vanilla. Velvety tannins and superb clarity shape the seamless and lush but lively finish. This wine is now among the best in Priorat and has been moving in this direction steadily in recent years. Drink: 2021-2027. (Jan 2016)"

95 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2015 (#69),' Wine Enthusiast: "With its patented blend of ripe plum and berry aromas matched against notes of wood smoke, herbs and leather, this is ripped and focused in the mouth, with strong but manageable tannins. Flavors of buttery oak, schist, blackberry and cassis culminate with mocha, vanilla and an overall sense of greatness. Drink from 2017 through 2025. Alcohol 15.5%. Editors' Choice. (Jun 2015)"