Salmos, DOQ Priorat — 2016
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Introduction
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In 1996, the Torres Family began planting vineyards on the black slate-like “Licorella” soils of Priorat. Salmos is considered a tribute to the Carthusian monks who planted the first grapevines in Priorat in 1095.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: DOQ Priorat
- Soil: Shallow soils developed over Carboniferous (Paleozoic) slates that drain swiftly and have a low water holding capacity. It is precisely these soils, located on steep slopes, that give Priorat wines their typicity.
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Vintage Report
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Throughout 2016, the temperature distribution was irregular: the year got off to a cold start, the summer was generally normal, and toward the end it was warm, especially the months of September and October. In terms of total precipitation, 2016 could be considered a normal year. However, it is worth noting that the vegetative cycle was dry and the ripening period, very dry.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: In stainless steel under controlled temperature for 9-12 days
- Maceration: 20 days
- Barrel Aging: 14 months in French oak (25% new)
- Bottled: July 2018
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 65% Cariñena, 30% Garnacha and 5% Syrah
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.4 g/L
- p H: 3.43
- RS: 0.6 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Opaque, dark cherry red. Intense, concentrated. Seductively expressive fruit (jammy cassis) culminating in delicate dried fruit notes (plum) and a distinctive, terroir-imparted mineral nuance. The palate is firm, lively, flavorful, with elegant, velvety tannins. Persistent and round.
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Images
Reviews
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Familia Torres Salmos, DOQ Priorat — 2016 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
Earthy dark-berry aromas are a touch flat and full. This Carignan-led blend displays chewy dry tannins on a bold palate that leans towards the ripe side. Black-berry, schisty graphite and herbal flavors finish steady, with touches of licorice and fennel.
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Familia Torres Salmos, DOQ Priorat — 2016 – Vinous – 93 Points
Dark violet. Aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry pit, licorice candy and smoky minerals; a floral overtone builds with air. Juicy and penetrating in the mouth, offering concentrated bitter cherry and blackberry flavors and hints of licorice and candied violet. Shows fine definition and power on the impressively long finish, which is framed by slow-mounting tannins
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Familia Torres Salmos, DOQ Priorat — 2016 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5+ Points
The nose is a little less emphatic than I was expecting. Though the tannins and bright liquorice fruit are certainly there in abundance. This should not disappoint a newcomer to the DO even if it's a bit Priorat Lite. I'd suggest decanting it to let it flourish aromatically. The palate manages to be both warm and very stony. (The wine offers the distinct and not remotely unattractive prospect of licking warm and grainy stones.) By no means a silly price for a wine that has the potential to develop in bottle for quite a while.
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Familia Torres Salmos, DOQ Priorat — 2016 – Decanter – 91 Points
Decadent interplay of sumptuous warm fruits, cedar and vanilla. Oaky and ripe. Very well defined, not aiming for complexity.