Espectacle del Montsant is a project jointly owned by Rene and Isabelle Barbier (owners of Clos Mogador in Priorat), Fernando and Marta Zamora (oenologists and teachers at University of Tarragona), and Charlotte and Christopher Cannan (owners of Clos Figueras in Priorat).

The single, 2-hectare vineyard is located in the commune of La Figuera slightly northwest of Gratallops, just outside the Priorat DOQ. It looks onto the famous Montsant Mountain, hence the name, as well as the Ebro valley and even the distant Pyrenees 200 km away.

This outstanding wine comes from a single, very steep vineyard planted solely with Grenache. The vines, all more than 100-years old are in clay and limestone soil. The vines have been carefully tended by Rene Barbier’s Clos Mogador team and the wine vinified by Rene himself.

Grapes are picked by hand and chilled for 24 hours at 4°C in the winery. Initial sorting is by hand. After de-stemming, a second, automatic selection takes place on a vibrating sorting table. The grapes undergo a 30-day fermentation in a single, large French oak vat and then mature 14 to 16 months further in the same vessel.

The wine is stunning, with glorious ripe Grenache fruit and wonderful soft spicy flavors, along with the enormous depth and richness provided by old vines.

The 2012 Espectacle Espectacle del Montsant is a red wine that truly lives up to its name. Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this wine is a stunning example of the Grenache varietal. With its deep and alluring red color, it immediately captivates the eye, drawing you in for a closer look.

From the moment you open the bottle, the intoxicating aromas fill the air. The highly aromatic wine is bursting with the scents of ripe red berries, delicate flowers, and an array of spices. It is a truly mesmerizing bouquet that lingers in the air and entices the senses.

Upon taking the first sip, you are immediately transported to a world of pure elegance and refinement. The palate is greeted with a velvety smoothness, courtesy of the incredibly silky tannins. The great acidity adds a lively touch, creating a harmonious balance that is simply unparalleled. This is the most elegant Montsant wine that has ever graced my palate.

As the wine evolves in the glass, it continues to surprise and delight. It reveals a fascinating complexity, with floral and spicy notes taking turns in the spotlight. There is a lactic hint that denotes its youthful nature, adding a layer of depth to the overall experience.

This 2012 vintage is widely regarded as one of the best produced by Espectacle so far. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to age gracefully for years to come. There is no rush to drink this masterpiece, but it would certainly be hard to resist its allure.

The 2012 Espectacle Espectacle del Montsant is a wine that truly lives up to its reputation. With its impeccable craftsmanship and remarkable flavor profile, it is a wine that deserves a place of honor in any collection.