The fabulous 2010 Tros de Clos is a pure Carinena from 101-year-old vines on the “Coster” slope, partly de-stemmed and aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak. The sophomore release has a gorgeous, intellectual nose that is beautifully defined and elegant, not powerful but mineral-rich and earthy, blossoming with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, pure, unbridled dark cherry and plum fruit intermingling with minerals and slate aromas. It could do with a little more persistency on the finish, but that would be quibbling with a wine that demonstrates the unbridled greatness of Carinena, a wine that takes you straight to Priorat. Superb! Drink 2014-2030+ Clos del Portal was founded in 2001 by architect Alfredo Arribas, whose vineyards are located between Bellmunt, El Molar and El Lloar. He set about resurrecting abandoned terraces, and currently the 40-hectare estate possesses 15 hectares under vine. There is a complex connection between “Clos del Priorat” and “Portal de Priorat” that I have tried to disentangle. Basically, the estate “Clos del Portal” markets its wines under the “Portal de Priorat” moniker, with the exception of the Gotes de Priorat, which now comes under its own name. Alfred Arribas’s vineyards in Montsant were marketed under “Portal de Montsant,” but are now marketed under his own name, Alfred Arribas. Confusing, eh? But don’t let that put you off his excellent wines. Importer: Classic Wines, Stamford, CT; tel. (203) 975-2522