Familia Nin-Ortiz Planetes Classic Priorat 2022

“The 2022 Planetes de Nin Clàssic, now from vines planted 25 years ago, was produced with a blend of 45% Garnacha, 44% Cariñena and 11% Garnacha Peluda, with a lot more Cariñena than the previous year, because the Garnacha yielded less fruit in 2022. It has a dark fruit profile and an earthy twist, with an iron-like twist from the very hard, rocky soils, but the wine opened up in the glass to a more floral nose, more refined. It has a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins (finer as the vines age?) and balancing acidity. The wine has benefitted from the better conditions in the new winery. 12,500 bottles and 2,000 magnums were produced. It was bottled in April 2024 after aging in three well-seasoned oak vats.”

“Consisting of 45% Garnacha, 44% Carinyena, and 11% Garnacha Peluda (also known as Hairy Grenache), the Garnacha grapes are destemmed and fermented together, while the Carinyena is fermented whole-bunch on its own. Grown on slopes and terraces, there’s an undeniable slatey minerality and feral, ferrous quality to the wine, a bloody sanguine character, with earthy anise and sassafras. Light in color, the structure and acidity are the stars, drumbeating a persistent freshness that boosts the medium-bodied weight. There’s bay laurel too, black pepper, and red pepper, so much to ponder and enjoy. Drinking well three years in, I’d say it has another 10-15 years of joy to give.”

“The 2022 Planetes Clàssic from Porrera, Priorat, is a blend of 60% Grenache and Garnatxa Peluda with 40% Carignan. Aromas recall morello, pomegranate, Worcestershire sauce, citrus and field herbs. The palate is compact and talc-like, delivering ripe fruit in the background.”