The 2005 Martinet Bru is purple-colored with an excellent nose of cedar, smoke, mineral, black cherry, and black currant. Structured, with enough tannin for 5-7 years of further evolution, this intense, lengthy wine will require considerable patience. Mas Martinet is owned by Jose Luis Perez, one of the original Priorat pioneers. He has turned over day-to-day operations to his daughter Sara Perez. The estate owns 10 hectares of vineyard planted in the famous llicorella Catalan soil (alternating layers of slate and quartz). Approximately 3000 cases are produced, 1500 of Martinet Bru and 1500 of Clos Martinet.Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

One can make the argument that in 2005, Martinet Bru, Mas Martinet’s “second” wine, is every bit as good and quite a bit more approachable than Clos Martinet. This wine is entirely solid and free of holes. It shows deep, ripe cassis and berry flavors along with chocolaty richness and accents of sage and herbs. Drink now through 2012. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines. ——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 92