The 2010 Les Tallades de Cal Nicolau, an unusual, rare Picapoll Negre from a 0.2-hectare plot of ungrafted vines planted in 1870, displays a completely different set of aromas to the other wines from Orto. The nose shows notes of ripe apricots, quince, pomegranate and cinnamon, subtle aromas of smoke and tar with floral hints. With time and air the floral note becomes amplified and is more focused. The palate is delicate, with ultra-fine tannins, subtle flavors and great length. This is a great, subtle wine that needs to be drunk slowly and given time to develop. Only 600 bottles were produced. Bravo! Drink 2014-2020. Orto Vins was created in 2008 by four vignerons from the village of Masroig, one of them winemaker Joan Asens who worked for a long time with Alvaro Palacios in Priorat. Between them they have 24 hectares of vineyards mostly in the Masroig village, ranging from 8 to 143 years of age. As expected, in the 24 hectares there is a variety of grapes, soils and altitudes to produce a wide range of labels. I was really looking forward to tasting their line-up, as some of the wines were new to me. They work according to biodynamic practices, follow moon cycles, have much lower yields than those allowed by the Montsant appellation, and all their wines are aged in fourth- and fifth-use French oak barrels. I found wines of great purity, and true to their origin and varieties. They are highly recommended. Total production averages 35,000 bottles per year. Importer: Peninsula Imports, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724.

Supple and tender, showing good intensity to the harmonious blend of fruit and savory flavors. Black cherry, mountain herb, licorice and smoke notes mingle on the fresh palate. Drink now through 2018. 100 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Montsant Select to Add