Torres, Conca De Barberà (Catalonia, Spain) 2010

An exciting blend of Garnacha, Monastrell and Cariñena, along with the revived, indigenous Querol and Garró.  I don’t have enough experience to know what was lent to the wine by these last two rarities, but I know enough about the magical 2010 vintage to know that it provided a lot, as the wine shows a telltale combination of showy ripeness with uncanny freshness.  On one hand, it is elegant on account of its prominent acidity, sleek structural profile, and strong linear energy.  Yet it also shows an engaging, brambly rusticity, and in the end, despite its obvious excellence, it is tough to peg, as it shows both Mediterranean and Bordelais aspects.  This was my first taste of this expensive and rare wine (7,099 bottles), but I’m already looking forward to our second date.