Alvaro Palacios, Finca Dofi, Priorat DOC 2022

Around 28,000 bottles were filled in March 2024.

The 2022 Finca Dofí was produced with 88% Garnacha, 9% Cariñena, 2% Picapoll and 1% white grapes from a 12.5-hectare slope planted 18 to 38 years ago. It fermented with part of full clusters in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and had a maceration of 32 days. It matured in oval oak foudres and large French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.

It has 14.4% alcohol, a pH of 3.46, and 4.8 grams acidity. It has a little more colour and ripeness and is quite spicy, with notes of liquorice and an earthy twist. Palacios told me Picapoll has provided very good acidity and low alcohol; some years, they used up to 6% of it they started grafting it some 12 years ago from the old plants from his old winemaker, Joan Asens).

Drink 2025 - 2035

Vinya Classificada. 27,860 bottles produced.

Dofí ‘the dauphin’) is the step up from the Vi de Vila Gratallops. Fruit is sourced from three vineyards in the village, totalling 12.5ha. Aromatically it’s full of plump berries. The wine arrives like juice in the mouth, then blossoms with fresh citrus. It’s a crisp, lively wine, with a fine texture, finishing with a flurry of savoury notes, plus a firm grip.

Drink 2024 - 2032

The 2022 Finca Dofi comprises 88% Garnacha with Cariñena, Picapoli and a pinch of white varieties. It sports a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and light pencil shaving scents, focused and understated, later unfurling temptingly with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine grip, bright and vivid with black cherries, hints of blueberry and a dab of allspice. Sedate and alluring, it feels reassuringly persistent on the finish. Lovely. 

Drink 2024 - 2040