Laurel 2023

54,90 €

Laurel 2023 is an elegant, juicy Priorat red full of character, combining berry freshness, herbal notes and slate minerality with a silky texture.

In stock

The wine's story:

Laurel is the second wine of Daphne Glorian's Clos i Terrasses, but in quality it stands firmly on its own. The grapes come from organically farmed terraces in the village of Gratallops – some from the very same llicorella (slate) slopes that give rise to the legendary Clos Erasmus. In the 2023 blend the main emphasis is on Garnatxa’, complemented by Syrah and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Each parcela is hand-harvested, the grapes are strictly sorted and the wine is gently fermented to preserve freshness and aromatic purity. Laurel matures in a diverse range of vessels – in large oak vats, concrete tanks, amphorae and neutral French oak barrels. This approach gives the wine a multi-layered texture while keeping it fresh and elegant.

Laurel may be considered the “little sister” of Clos Erasmus, but it is not merely a side project – this wine has earned recognition from critics around the world for its depth, character and exceptional value for money.

Winemaking:

  • ~75–80% Garnacha, 20% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (proportions may vary).
  • Vines 5–40 years old
  • 24h cold soak, wild-yeast fermentation (~2–3 weeks), 4-week maceration.
  • 18 months' ageing in used French oak barrels, foudres and amphorae.
  • Alcohol ~14.5%, pH 3.3.
  • ~28,000 bottles produced, bottled in May 2024.
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Tasting notes:

In the glass, the wine is clear ruby red, slightly translucent. On the nose there are fresh red berries – raspberry, cherry, wild strawberry – around which swirl flowers, Mediterranean herbs and a light note of liquorice.

On the palate, Laurel 2023 is silky, juicy and elegant. The structure is fuller than average, but the texture remains light and flowing. The berry flavours are pure and detailed: redcurrant, cranberry, ripe raspberry, complemented by delicate spice and a slaty, saline minerality.

The tannins are soft and polished, the acidity fresh and the finish long, fruity and slightly spicy. The wine is already very enjoyable when young, but it has enough depth at its core to age gracefully.

Food pairing:

Laurel 2023 is a versatile companion to Mediterranean cuisine, suiting both simpler and more festive dishes.

  • Grilled or roasted meat: rack of lamb, pork neck chops, BBQ ribs

  • Mediterranean dishes: tomato-based pastas, lasagne, slow-cooked vegetables with herbs

  • Stews: beef stew, rabbit or chicken casserole with herbs

  • Spanish style: tapas, chorizo, Ibérico pork

  • Cheeses: Manchego, more mature hard cheeses, softer cheeses with truffle or herbs

Serve at 15–16°C; if needed, decant 30–60 minutes before serving.

Ageing potential:

Laurel 2023 is drinking well already, but will reach its best balance over the next 5–8 years years. Keep the bottle in a cool place, protected from light, and feel free to wait up to 2030–2032, to see how the wine becomes deeper and juicier.

Ratings & accolades:

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 95+/100

Weight1,4 kg
Dimensions33 × 26 × 3,5 cm
Grape variety
Region
Food pairingCharcuterie and tapas, Vegetables and vegetarian dishes, Poultry, Pasta and risotto, Game and stews, Beef and lamb
In 1988, when Priorat was still a forgotten Spanish wine region, Daphne Glorian took a risk that changed wine history. Born in Paris to Swiss parents, young and passionate about wine, she invested her life savings in a terraced vineyard in Gratallops. Her friends René Barbier, Álvaro Palacios and others had inspired her – and so one of the "big five" houses of Priorat was born. Daphne's project was named after the humanist Erasmus, whose work her scholar father admired. Clos Erasmus, made according to principles of minimal intervention and low yields, quickly became a cult wine, receiving several 100-point scores and securing its place among Spain's top wines. Today viticulture at Clos i Terrasses is led by biodynamics expert Ester Nin, who helps express the uniqueness of Priorat's slate terroir. Alongside Clos Erasmus a second wine was created – Laurel – which allows only the very best barrels to go into the grand vin, ensuring the uncompromising quality of Clos Erasmus. Despite international demand, Clos i Terrasses has remained a small, intimate winery – not just a wine, but a symbol of Daphne Glorian's dedication and the rebirth of Priorat.

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