Alvaro Palacios, Finca Dofi, Priorat DOC 2014

The 2014 Finca Dof is a blend of approximately 94% Garnacha and 6% Cariena from a plot in Gratallops called Finca Dof. The destemmed and crushed grapes fermented in oak vats with natural yeasts followed by malolactic and 14 months aging in oak barrels. It feels terribly lively, with a silkiness and purity, terse but at the same time ripe. The oak is very integrated and there is no volatility many associate with Priorat, but the flavors are clearly reminiscent of the old vintages of Dof but with a much more polished texture. Again the acidity gives it clout and depth, like claws clinging to you. It ends tasty and very mineral. This feels as good as the other-worldly 2013. A great vintage for Dof. Elegance in a bottle. There are 20,100 bottles produced.