Casa Gran Del Siurana Cruor 05

Casa Gran del Siurana Priorat ‘Cruor’ 2005 (18.5+/20), at 14.5% alc, a blend of 30% Garnatxa, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah and 10% Monastrell, aged 14 months in 50% new French oak. Dark ruby red with garnet hues, this had lively red berry fruits on the nose with savoury and floral elements intermingling and in harmony. Dry, rich and powerful, this had very ripe red fruit flavours, almost port-like in nuance, along with notes of meat and savoury game. The richness of fruit was kept in balance with the cut from the alcohol and acidity plus tannin structure. The depth and concentration will ensure cellaring for well over a decade.  RC May 10

This is serious Priorat in the modern style. The ‘Cruor’ wine has received numerous international accolades and it is a pleasure to see it arrive in New Zealand. It too offers value, a wine of its calibre and provenance normally selling for over $100.00 per bottle. Made from 30% Garnatxa, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah and 10% Monastrell, this was fermented to 14.5% alc. and aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels, bottling with minimal clarification. Deep black red in colour with youthful purple hues, this wine indeed has plenty of life ahead of it. Lovely, fully-ripened black berry fruits with liquorice and mineral aromas are lifted by a little volatility and enhanced by savoury elements. The palate combine immense concentration and extraction with superb sweet, up-front, almost port-like black and dark red berry fruits. There is a mineral cut and excellent floral note to lend a style of refinement to the palate profile. This will live two decades easily and be a wonderful match for the best red meat game dishes.  RC March 10

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