2022 Les Aubaguetes, Álvaro Palacios RiojaAlta Powerful in its restraint

Powerful in its restraint

Golden-straw in colour

the cool South of the North at its most sophisticated

with deep-rooted vines in some of its most esteemed crus

while lower loess-rich terraces add body and ripeness

2022 Les Aubaguetes, Álvaro Palacios RiojaAlta Powerful in its restraintSlate Shadow This is rare, serious Priorat with the power dialled into precision. Wild raspberry, black cherry and red plum lead the nose, followed by violet, orange peel, fennel, rosemary, crushed rock, liquorice and a fine smoky edge. It has the depth and concentration you expect from lvaro Palacios, but Les Aubaguetes feels more shadowed and savoury than showy, with a cool mineral line cutting through the fruit. On the palate, it is intense,