Sant Antoni de Scala Dei 2017

The Mediterranean character of the vintage is more noticeable in the 2017 Sant Antoni de Scala Dei than in the other single-vineyard Garnacha Masdeu. It has abundant aromas of garrigue and cherries in liqueur, making it aromatic, open, expressive and a bit heady. It's juicy and reveals ripe flavors and round tannins that give it a soft and tender mouthfeel. The current vines on this terrace at 580 to 610 meters in altitude on limestone-rich soils were planted in 1945, but this is a place that was already cultivated by the Carthusian monks 400 years ago. Despite the early harvest, the grapes were picked the first week of October given the higher altitude and the cooler site. The full clusters fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in 1,200-liter oak foudres for 16 months. There are 2,100 bottles and 50 magnums. The wine was bottled in June 2019.

A beautiful red with strawberry, plum and berry character, as well as a hint of graphite. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.