The 2021 Clos Erasmus Laurel is a proprietary red blend from the renowned Priorat region in Spain. Crafted by Clos Erasmus, this wine is composed of 80% Garnacha, 11% Syrah, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes sourced from younger vines aged between five and 40 years. The winemaking process involved a natural fermentation initiated after a period of cooling, followed by a soft vinification approach to prevent overt extraction. The wine underwent maturation in a combination of oak vats, barrels, and amphorae for 18 months.
Luis Gutiérrez from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage an impressive score of 96. He describes the 2021 Laurel as "super aromatic, floral and expressive," highlighting its clean, elegant, and delicate nature. The wine's texture is noted to be velvety and balanced, with a "seamless" palate and a focused, long finish. Gutiérrez remarks on the wine's ethereal quality and observes a "meaty side of Syrah," which contributes to its overall complexity. Despite its youth, the oak influence is well-integrated into the wine's profile, resulting in a harmonious blend.
The 2021 Clos Erasmus Laurel presents itself with a notable alcohol content of 14.5% and a pH level of 3.3, indicating its structured yet approachable character. Gutiérrez's review emphasizes the wine's expressive aromas and refined palate, suggesting a standout performance among red blends. This wine is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of Clos Erasmus, capturing the essence of Priorat's terroir while demonstrating a keen attention to detail throughout the winemaking process.