Clos Mogador 2023

The wine's story:

Clos Mogador is the Barbier family's vineyard near Gratallops in Priorat and the wine of the same name, made only from this vineyard's grapes. About 20 hectares of vines grow at around 350 metres on llicorella slate; on the Priorat label the vineyard carries the title Vinya Classificada. 2023 was a year of drought, heat and a very small crop. Wine Advocate scored Clos Mogador 2023 98 points.

René Barbier founded the Clos Mogador winery in 1979. The wines from the family's own vineyards are made, aged and bottled on the estate. Today the winemaking is led by René Barbier Meyer.

Winemaking:

The 2023 blend is 47% Garnatxa negra, 32% Carinyena, 14% Syrah and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation starts with native yeasts, 40% of the bunches are fermented with their stems and skin maceration lasts 35–65 days. The wine aged for 18 months in 2,000-litre oak casks and was bottled in mid-July 2025.

Tasting notes:

A full, deep red with fine tannins. Wine Advocate describes the 2023 with spring flowers and herbs and very fine tannins, still closed at first and built for long ageing. Jeb Dunnuck notes dusty, savoury earthiness and salinity, Vinous black cherry to pomegranate fruit and balsamic spice, Wine Spectator baked raspberry, lingonberry and black tea. Sommelier Rodrigo Briseño, who wrote the producer's vintage sheet, finds that within an hour in the glass the wine gains freshness and a mentholated finish reminiscent of bay leaf.

Food pairing:

Leg of lamb roasted with rosemary – dense tannins and herbs suit lamb. Roast venison or wild boar; beef cheek in red wine sauce; aged Manchego.

Ageing potential:

Wine Advocate sees the 2023 as a wine for long ageing; Jeb Dunnuck expects the wine to develop for another 20–25 years from his 2025 review.

Ratings & accolades:

Wine Advocate – 98/100 (2023)

Jeb Dunnuck – 95/100 (2023)

Vinous – 94/100 (2023)

Wine Spectator – 94/100 (2023)