This 350-case blend of equal parts Carignan and Syrah from vineyards planted in decomposed granite and slate was aged in Burgundy barrels for 14 months prior to being bottled unfiltered. This estate is owned by Sara Perez, the well-known winemaker of the Priorat estates of Cims de Porrera, Val Llach, and Clos Martinet. The dense purple-colored 2001 Venus la Universal offers up a sumptuous perfume of new saddle leather, animal fur, beef blood, and crème de cassis. Rustic, with tremendous density as well as heady fruit flavors revealing both heat and high, sharp tannin, it is a spicy, rich, mouthfilling effort to drink over the next 5-6 years. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565