Terragona-Falset (1999)

About this wine

The 1999 Celler Laurona from Montsant presents a deep, purplish-red color with reddish reflections. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of blackcurrants, plums, blackberries, and roasted nuts, gradually revealing spicy notes of vanilla and cinnamon, along with floral hints of violets. The palate is opulent and velvety, with well-integrated tannins providing a persistent and balanced finish. This wine is crafted from a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards in Falset, Marçà, El Molar, La Figuera, and Darmós, and aged for 12 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. The Montsant region, established as a Denominación de Origen in 2002, is renowned for producing wines with a marked Mediterranean character, combining the complexity of local grape varieties with the unique qualities of its soil and climate.

About the grape

The 1999 Celler Laurona Tarragona-Falset from Spain's Montsant region is crafted from a blend of grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics. Carignan, known locally as Cariñena, is a traditional Spanish grape that adds deep color and structure to the wine. Grenache, or Garnacha, thrives in Montsant's warm climate, imparting ripe red fruit flavors and a touch of spice. Syrah, originally from France, brings dark fruit notes and peppery undertones, while Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, both Bordeaux varieties, add softness and complexity. The combination of these grapes reflects Montsant's rich viticultural heritage and diverse terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Celler Laurona was founded in 1999 by renowned winemakers René Barbier and Christopher Cannan, aiming to produce high-quality wines that reflect the Montsant region's unique terroir.
• 🍷 The 1999 Laurona is a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the rich diversity of grape varieties in Montsant.
• 🏞️ Montsant, where Celler Laurona is located, became a Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) in 2002, highlighting its significance in Spain's wine landscape.
• 🏭 The winery is situated in an old factory that once produced timber doors for gym lockers, creatively repurposed for winemaking.
• 🏆 Laurona wines have received high ratings, often above 90 points, from critics like Robert Parker, and have been featured in Wine Spectator's list of the 100 most competitive wines in the world.

Palate profile

Producer

Celler Laurona, established in 1999 in Falset, Spain, was founded by renowned enologists René Barbier and Fernando Zamora. Situated in the heart of the Montsant D.O., the winery focuses on producing wines that authentically reflect the region's Mediterranean character. They primarily cultivate native grape varieties such as Grenache and Carignan, complemented by Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Notably, their Blanc de Laurona is a rare white wine crafted from Grenache Noir using a Blanc de Noirs vinification style, with only 1,000 bottles released to the market.