Grifoll Declara Predicat Priorat 2019

black raspberries, red licorice, fennel seeds and bay leaves

It is cool to show these two wines side by side, as the Bon Mas leans to the modern side and Grifoll is decidedly old school. That said, despite coming from a 4th generation producer in the region this wine is 45% Garnacha, 45% Carignan and 10% Merlot, which is a nod to the 20th century. The vines for this wine grow at 1400-1500 feet above sea level and are farmed organically. It is also aged for 9 months in older French oak casks.

This wine is a touch lighter in color than the Bon Mas, and the nose is more subtle with scents of crushed black raspberries, red licorice, fennel seeds and bay leaves. It is also more restrained on the palate, with the tannins pulling the fruit together quicker, with a longer, mineral tinged finish. Good now, this wine will be best 2025-2030.