This up-and-coming winery is the work of Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz. Ester is no newcomer to the world of wine, working in the past as Daphne Glorian’s (of Clos Erasmus) viticulturist and prior to that at Mas Martinet. The winery was launched in 2004 and soon she partnered with Carles Ortiz fortifying a solid business arrangement. This winery is Certified organic (CCPAE) and biodynamic (La Renaissance des Appellations) and produces wines to keep an eye on! They employ long macerations and use a combination of large French oak foudre and amphora for aging their wines. The results are highly impressive. But these are classic power-based wines, so don’t look for lighter elegance here. This winery is on fire!
2013 Nin-Ortiz, Priorat, Planetes di Nin (RT92) Crafted from biodynamically grown fruit, using only indigenous yeast, this is a blend of Garnatxa Negre (grenache) and Carinyena (carignan). Grown from younger vines ranging from 10-20 years old, these vines are raised in schist soils. This powerful wine leans toward a dark ruby, as its expression of Priorat terroir rises tall with black cherry, black berry, schist minerality and an alluring spiciness wafting from the stem. With time in the glass dried leaves, bark and other fall notes emerge. The palate is silky and soft while still delivering young, unevolved fruit. The balance is artful with a fine balance of fruit, soft acidity and seductively ripe tannins. A wonderful combination of all things Priorat. Drink now-2033+
2011 Nit de Nin, Priorat, Mas d’En CaÇador (RT96+) This is a real gem! An old vine (80-110 yrs) blend of Garnatxa Negre, Garnatxa Peluda and Carinyena that’s hand harvested, whole cluster fermentation and sees a 4 week maceration then aged for 16 months in 2700 liter French oak foudre. The grapes are sourced from a 1.5 hectare plot (more adjacent land has been recently added). Dark, deep and almost impenetrable looking, this delivers a masculine, powerful bouquet of black fruits, soaring spices and stark minerality. I couldn’t stop appreciating the grandeur of its bouquet. The palate is full monte magnificence with mouth coating fruit, fresh bright acidity and gorgeously ripe tannins. A thing of utter beauty! Just now coming into its prime drinking window. Drink now-2041+
