2004 Melis Priorato

The Melis vineyard is a prime Priorat estate, ranging in elevation from 800 to 1,200 feet with steep terraces of dense volcanic schist and llicorella slate, attributes that contribute to both the signature intensity and minerality of fine Priorat wines. Located near the 13th century town of Torroja del Priorat, the vineyard’s exceptional microclimate benefits from broad access to the Mediterranean Garbinada winds, balancing the vineyard’s warm southern exposure with a cooling maritime breeze.In 2000, the Melis team began the careful restoration of the vineyard’s ancient Cariñena vines and terraces, and the meticulous new terracing and planting of an additional 7 hectares. The newer plantings in the Melis vineyard include select clones of Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, primarily on high-density, double-row terraces. The vines are head trained and spur pruned, with shoots positioned on a six-wire vertical trellis system.Melis is guided by its team’s defining philosophy: that the wine should honor and reflect the wild, earthy richness of Priorat’s traditional varietals and terroir, while achieving world-class balance and elegance. Melis’ dedicated vineyard crew practice assiduous crop and canopy management to produce extremely low yields of intense, ripe fruit. In the winery, great care is taken to gently shape the forceful tannins of the traditional Priorat varietals. The Melis winemaking team focuses on small but crucial details, from hand harvesting into refrigerated containers and diligent hand sorting prior to crushing, to the incorporation of large Burgundian cooperage into the fermentation and aging program to ensure that the wines remain balanced and are not overwhelmed by oak.

Tasting NotesDeep purple-black in color, this opulent wine offers a complex, seductive nose ofblack cherry and strawberry fruit, white pepper, violets, and cardamom, with mineralnotes evoking the licorella slate and clay of our vineyards. In the glass the winecontinues to evolve, revealing layers of black berries, spice, licorice, and thyme. Thepalate is luscious and rich, with mouth-filling dark fruit balanced with a silky texture,fine tannins, and well-integrated oak; the finish is long and lingers sumptuously.