Perpetual 2018

2018 was a cooler year than 2017, and the 2018 Perpetual has less alcohol and more acidity than the 2017; in 2018, they also included the grapes from one vineyard they own, Dels Cargols in the village of El Lloar. The fermentation and élevage were similar to 2017—fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and an élevage of 17 to 18 months in 1,500-liter foudres (this time 50% of the volume) and 500-liter barrels, with only 30% new oak. There is a little more Cariñena this time, up to 82%, with the remaining 18% being Garnacha. There is also better integration of the oak in the wine and an extra touch of freshness, giving a citrusy, orange peel characteristic to the profile of the wine. There are notes of violets and purple berries with aromas of Mediterranean herbs, coming through as fresh and characterful. The quality of the tannins feels very different from those of the 2017—this has a silky texture and is more elegant, and there is an effect from the vintage and also an adjustment in the vinification and élevage. 15,470 bottles and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in July 2020.

 Lively aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets with red licorice follow through to a medium to full body with firm, silky tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Really fine tannins. An elegant and well-crafted Priorat. This can age nicely. Drink or hold.

80-100 year old Garnacha and Carinyena vines mingle to produce perhaps Torres's best Priorat in 2018. Understated and elegant, with clearly defined strawberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit, framed by the smoke and dried herbs characteristic of Priorat. The flavours glide over layers of grainy tannin. Quietly forceful and in perfect balance at 6 years of age. 2024-2030