So far my 152 posts on wine have focused on my tasting experience of single bottles. This time I want to write about the visit I had at Clos de l’Obac. A winery officially named Costers del Siurana and located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat DOQ. Continue reading “Clos de l’Obac”
Clos de l’Obac
So far my 152 posts on wine have focused on my tasting experience of single bottles. This time I want to write about the visit I had at Clos de l’Obac. A winery officially named Costers del Siurana and located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat DOQ. Continue reading “Clos de l’Obac”
The colour is medium garnet. On the nose a bouquet of eucalyptus, tobacco, menthol and balsamic notes. In the mouth pleasantly lighter and fruitier than I was expecting, well balanced and with a savoury finish that let be enjoyed for quite a while.
On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. 
On the nose woody, with resin and a touch of burnt. In the mouth austere, but well balanced, with soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste, which sadly is a bit short. This is a wine that growths in the glass and with time shows more complexity. Overall, a good classic Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan.
The nose is rich of plums and dark cherries. Inviting, but devoid of any complexity, a feature that I would expect from a 10 years old Bordeaux. In the mouth and in the finish not much, beside a hint to the fruits perceived on the nose, the drying sensation of the tannins and some burning from the 14.5% alcohol. Overall a fine wine, but not much to enjoy for the 55 CHF I paid four years ago at Chiodi Ascona. 
Visually this wine displays a shiny medium garnet color. On the nose at first a bit dusty. The main sensations are of old, slightly burned wood and tea leaves. With time it shows a tiny bit of complexity.
On the nose the wine is very nuanced, as you should expect from a 30 years old Bordeaux. According to my tasting group, barn, black tea, leather and anise come to mind, with some cassis representing the fruit that is still left in the bouquet. In the mouth it has an earthy flavour profile, with some chocolate, pleasant tannins and a fairly long aftertaste. 
The bouquet doesn’t display much complexity, with lots of smoke, cigar, mocha and liquorice, but not much fruit. In the mouth tobacco overpowers other sensation. Although well integrated, the tannins are still very present and add to the rustic experience. The finish is abrupt. The aftertaste fine, but nothing to indulge in and leaning towards a not overly pleasant mocha taste. 
Albeit the wine is already 14 years old, the nose is still dominated by fruits, with cassis, blueberry and blackberry as the main standouts. In the mouth no sign of age neither, well rounded, elegant and delicate. This wine is very pleasant from the nose to the aftertaste. An outstanding product from a far from perfect vintage. 
Despite its 29 years, this bottle is still very lively, starting from the brilliant color. At first the nose is boisé, with some plum. After it gets some air, chocolate and a richer variety of fruits come out. The finish is tasty, although at first a bit rough and dry. Given the age, the aftertaste is still fairly long.