Alvaro Palacios : Les Aubaguetes 2023

From 1.79ha in the village of Bellmunt, this is a field blend in which Garnacha makes up just 60%. Perhaps this is why Les Aubaguetes reveals a greater sense of Priorat's mineral characters. On the nose, elegant white flowers join rhubarb, redcurrant and a stony sensation. The palate begins plump and ripe, perfumed with red fruits and a sense of hot slate, leading to a long, controlled finish. Scores will surely increase as this wine matures.

This is a scented and elegant wine showing delicate red berry fruit with touches of white pepper, minerals and grapefruit. Firm, medium-bodied and chalky, with a fine thread of tannins. Linear and enveloping in the finish, with rose hips and citrus. A challengingly dry and hot year, but this maintains its nuances. This is a Priorat for pinot lovers who seek finesse. Drink now or hold.