Scala Dei Heretge 2018

The pure Cariñena 2018 Heretge shows abundant notes of licorice and Mediterranean herbs, varietal character with charming rusticity and an earthy touch. Since their early days, they have sourced Cariñena from old costers (slope vineyards) in the neighboring villages. For them, Scala Dei is a synonym for Garnacha, but they also have Cariñena, which often showcases a different side of Priorat, with dusty minerality from the shallow and poor llicorella slate soils. In 2018, the wine comes from three different plots—Cap la Serra, Parts de l'Ase and La Font in the villages of La Vilella Alta and Torroja that were planed after phylloxera. There are notes of graphite and shoe polish, dark berries and spices but also something floral. They got ripe stems and used 70% full clusters for the fermentation in concrete with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in a 4,000-liter oak foudre for some 16 months. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy but fine tannins and an unusual sensation of weightlessness in the mid-palate that adds elegance. The finish is dry and long. Great Cariñena! 2,800 bottles were filled in June 2020.

Attractive floral and spicy nose. An energetic offering with intensity, freshness, great depth and a long, juicy and spicy finish. Lovely stuff.