The 2009 Alges is a blend of 30% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha (from the valley floor) and 30% Syrah from calcareous soils, fermented in tanks for 10 months and raised in 80% French oak (new to four-year-old) and 20% American oak. It has a pure, well-defined bouquet with black currant, boysenberry and liquorice with a hint of Valrohna chocolate. The palate is well-balanced with succulent black, slightly tarry fruit that is underpinned by fine tannins that lend the finish a satisfying symmetry and sense of finesse. The finish is taut, dry and finely delineated with a hint of sea salt on the aftertaste. This is very fine and should age well over 5-7 years. Drink now-2019.
Visiting Clos Pons entails a drive through their never-ending expanse of olive trees and almond vines, one that was slightly fraught since we were running out of petrol. Located in -Les Garrigues,- south of the province of Lleida, the nearest vineyard lies some ten to fifteen kilometres away. Owned by the Pons family, who continue to make their wealth through their olive oil business, the winery itself was completed just a month prior to my arrival, the smell of varnish and paint lingering in the air, though fortunately not inside the tasting room. There are 40 hectares of vines, the heart being a 31-hectare parcel that was planted after a winter chill destroyed a parcel of olive trees. They eschew the use of pesticides, using organic fertilizers instead. They offer a small portfolio of very impressive, handcrafted wines in their state-of-the-art winery that represents good value.
Importer: Broadview Imports, NY; www.broadviewimports.com; and T W Sieg, VA; no telephone number available.
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