Clos Mogador 2008 is the flagship red from René Barbier’s family estate in DOQ Priorat, sourced from the steep, slate-rich “llicorella” hillside vineyard in Gratallops. It’s a blend built around Garnacha and Cariñena with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, made in a low-intervention style that emphasizes native-yeast fermentation, long macerations, and extended élevage in larger-format vessels and concrete. Alcohol is reported around 14.5%, consistent with the wine’s ripeness and structure.
In bottle, critics consistently describe a wine that pairs Priorat power with clarity and freshness. Neal Martin, writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (93 points), highlights precision over sheer weight, noting “a very fine bouquet of blackberry blueberry and violet with great delineation and poise.” On the palate, he calls it “medium-bodied” with “slightly grainy coarse tannins” set against “the core of sweet dark fruit,” concluding that “with impressive tension and poise this is an excellent Priorat for long-term aging.”
Wine Spectator’s Thomas Matthews (92 points) likewise stresses balance, calling it “firm and fresh,” with “ripe pure cherry and red plum fruit framed by tobacco mineral and espresso notes.” He adds that it has “a silky texture” and is “accessible yet shows good density and structure,” and reports production at about 2,500 cases.
Wine & Spirits (91 points) focuses on transparency and lift, describing “the fruit purity and strength of fine Priorat,” and saying the blend “feels clean and honest,” with “black fruit and exotic spice” plus “lively acidity and tension that lasts through the finish.”
The strongest review is Jeb Dunnuck’s 95-point assessment—an excellent score—calling the wine “absolutely stunning,” with a “classic array of black currant, tobacco, spice, smoke, and serious minerality,” and predicting “upwards of 15+ years of longevity.” Overall, 2008 Clos Mogador reads as a structured, mineral Priorat with ripe fruit, clear aromatic detail, and aging potential.
