2021 Clos Mogador Vinya Classificada Priorat DOCa

“In Priorat, we make wines of character. If you want elegance, go to Burgundy.” ~Barbier Jr.

The Barbier family has been at the forefront of Priorat’s revival, reshaping its vineyards and redefining its potential.

René Barbier, born in Tarragona in 1950, is a direct descendant of a French winemaking lineage that dates back to the 1200s. His education at prestigious winemaking schools in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Limoux, combined with experience at acclaimed wineries like Moueix—the makers of the legendary Petrus—gave him a deep understanding of every aspect of winemaking. In 1979, René acquired his first vineyard in Priorat and crafted the inaugural vintage of Clos Mogador, a wine that would become a cornerstone of the region’s renaissance.Over time, he expanded his vision with other projects, including Nelin, Manyetes, and the extraordinary Espectacle del Montsant.

Today, his son, René Barbier Jr., carries this legacy forward with a global perspective and a commitment to innovation. Having trained under some of the most celebrated winemakers in the world, including Didier Dagueneau and Gerard Gauby, René Jr. has brought a modern, thoughtful approach to Clos Mogador. He champions biodynamic farming, limits mechanization to preserve the soil, and incorporates natural methods like plant macerations to balance the vineyards' ecosystems. By even introducing beekeeping to aid pollination and biodiversity, René Jr. has turned the estate

Clos Mogador holds the prestigious title of Vinya Classificada, a mark of excellence and heritage that few vineyards in Priorat can claim. This recognition is a reflection of the family’s dedication to creating wines that express the true character of the region. The Barbier family’s passion has elevated Priorat onto the global stage, with Clos Mogador standing as an emblem of the region’s transformation from abandoned hillsides to a beacon of world-class winemaking.

The Priorat region of Spain is celebrated for its rugged terrain and unique slate soils, known as Llicorella, which impart remarkable depth and minerality to its wines.

Characterized by steep, sun-drenched slopes and terraced vineyards, Priorat’s challenging landscape forces vine roots to delve deep into the earth in search of water, resulting in grapes with exceptional concentration and complexity. This demanding environment, coupled with the region's historical winemaking heritage, makes Priorat one of Spain’s most esteemed and sought-after wine regions.

Aging: 18 months in foudres.

45% Garnatxa, 29% Carinyena, 16% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage opens with a refined bouquet that evokes the Mediterranean countryside: the herbal aromas of wild rosemary, thyme, and lavender blend seamlessly with fresh red berries and delicate floral undertones. On the palate, it is both satiny and structured, with layers of ripe fruit, minerality, and a harmonious balance that speaks of its terroir. The wine’s finish is long and complex, promising to reveal even greater subtleties with age.

The 2021 Clos Mogador comprises 45% Garnatxa, 29% Carinyena, 16% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged for 18 months in foudres. Garnet in color, it features liqueur-like aromas of blackcurrant and plum, along with earthy notes and hints of iron and blood. Dry and compact, it flows with fine-grained tannins, a dusty texture and a juicy, flavorful mouthfeel. The finish is exceptionally long, with nuanced complexity. This is one of those rare wines that can shift one's perception of what's possible in the Priorat region. Clos Mogador is one of the few wineries that put Priorat on the fine wine map in the early 1990s, and the 2021 vintage is yet another example that justifies that recognition. ~98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A beautiful, fresh red with lots of vibrancy. Mineral, flint, freshly crushed blueberries and red berries. Juicy, polished tannins with a little more crunch to the fruit this year. Has a nice firmness compared with the sweeter tannins in 2020. Really fluid, bright and vivid. Long. Drink or hold. ~ 97 James Suckling

Color: Cherry. Aroma: complex, expressive, spicy, mineral. Mouth: elegant, full, long, persistent. ~95 Guía Peñín

A fragrant version, with floral, herb and mineral accents. The pureed black raspberry and creamed black cherry fruit flavors are ripe and sweet in this well-structured red, an impression heightened by hints of cola, licorice and mocha. Blood orange peel acidity provides bright, fine balance, and the sculpted tannins show a creamy, well-integrated edge. Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. 5,500 cases made, 1,500 cases imported. ~93 Wine Spectator

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