The 2009 Idus de Vall Llach is a blend of 40% Carinena, 10% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 15% Garnacha and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from 60- to 80-year-old vines aged in 50% French oak. It has a dense, rich, decadent shoe polish and star anise-tinged bouquet that maintains decent delineation and contains the alcohol well. The palate is full-bodied with a lot of extraction, a voluminous, stentorian Priorat that overwhelms the senses with its showy, sweet finish, which is a little cloying in the mouth. Drink 2014-2020. Founded in Porerra in the early 1990s by Lluis Llach and Enric Costa, Vall Llach introduced their first vintage in 2000. Their vineyards include some old vine Carinena and Garnacha between 60 and 90 years of age, which are complemented by outsourced fruit. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Importers, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700; www.foliowines.com

Smoky and tarry notes lend a savory cast to the rich flavors of blackberry, kirsch and cola in this dense red. Chewy tannins and balsamic acidity impart structure, while ginger and raisin notes linger. Drink now through 2019. 200 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Priorat Select to Add