Limited to fourteen guests. Cost $60, paid in advance. To reserve a seat for this special tasting, email me ASAP.
Six Great Years of the Priorat Classic, Cims de Porrera.
1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001
The Classic is only produced in the finest years. Their 2nd wine Solanes is made
every year. The first classic was produced in 1996 by Adria Perez. The last was in 2001. Then not again until 2004.
The wine is made from the 80 - 100 yr. old, Carinena (Carignan) vines, producing only 2.7 tons per acre. One hundred and thirty three
acres planted on steep rocky slopes at 400-600 meters of Altitude. Hence the name "Cims" which means Summits in spanish,
surrounding the village of Porrera, south Catalonia, Spain. Temperature ranges from 110 degrees day to 50 degrees at night.
Similar to Napa valley. Mediterranean climate compared to Rioja which is Atlantic.
Sara Perez, winemaker of Cims de Porrera, is one with a world of experience in winemaking. One would probably agree because at the age of ten, Perez and her brother
were already in-charge of the vinification and ageing of Martinet wines. But not only is she an expert with winemaking, Perez also has three degrees – one in biological science,
one in philosophy and literature and lastly one in oenology. Perez is devoted to one thing – that is to make great wines with native grape varieties.
Also we will be sampling the most sought after and expensive wine in Spain.
1989 Vega-Sicilia "UNICO", Ribera del Duero
Made from 80 to 100 year old vines of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Est. in 1864, the "Unico" (Unique) is always
of Gran Reserva Quality. Selling currently for
$300 to
$500. Release price was $275. Every year over 4,000 people are on the wait list for this wine.
Xavier Ausas, the winemaker and technical director started here with this vintage 1989.
I purchased this bottle in Seville, in 2004.
The second favorite was the 1998 Cims.
The tasting was followed by another 14 bottles of assorted wine.
Starting with this first vintage, all wine now aged in Allier oak. Formerly all wines aged in concrete tanks.
Most are blended with up to 10% Garnacha (Grenache). The wines sell for between $75 - $100. All are rated by Wine Spectator
between 89 - 91. Wine Advocate, 92 - 94.
Only made in the best years, it is aged in cask (7 yrs. min.) and bottle, for a minimum of 10 years.
This wine rated by Robert Parker 94. Rated by Steven Tanzer 95+.
The undisputed winner was the Vega-Sicilla "Unico". 
