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Mas Martinet
Mas Martinet is owned by Jose Luis Perez, although there was no tradition of winemaking in past generations, Jose Luis Perezand his family (Pérez Ovejero) established themselves in the Priorat in 1981 and, along with René Barbier senior, Carles Pastrana (Clos de l'Obac), Dafne Glorian (Clos Erasmus) and Álvaro Palacios (L’Ermita), one of the Priorat’s leading experts, they are held responsible for having brought revolutionary changes to this small denomination in Tarragona, now much admired all over the world. He has turned over day-to-day operations to his daughter, Sarah, under whos direction the estate is rising to the pinnacle of excellence in Priorat.
The estate owns 10 hectares of vineyard planted in the famous llicorella soil that gives the DO its distinctive character. Since the year 2000, the vineyards of Mas Martinet, their olive trees and woods have been run as one agricultural ecosystem, with the application of agroecological principles, and it is his daughter, Sarah Perez (Venus "La Universal"), who presently manages the winery. Mas Martinet produces a wine from each vineyard, restores traditional grape varietals and practises biological farming methods.
There are two estate wines. Approximately 3000 cases are produced, 1500 of Martinet Bru and 1500 of Clos Martinet. Martinet Bru is the younger vine cuvée, super-fruity, approachable in its youth, and excellent value. Clos Martinet uses only the best parcels of vines to enusre consitently outstanding top quality wines. In 2006 the estate added two new cuvees, Cami Pesseroles and Els Escurons, which are intended to show aspects of the terroir. About 7 hectares are located close to the Siurana river on the road from Falset to Gratallops. The remainder are elsewhere in the Priorat appellation, mostly near Porrera, the origin of the old vines, Carignan and Grenache.
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Martinet Bru 2006
The garnet-colored 2006 Martinet Bru exhibits a pleasant nose of damp earth, mineral, violets, and black cherry. On the palate the wine is slightly compressed although the flavors are tasty and the wine is in balance. Good value. |
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Clos Martinet 2005
The 2005 Clos Martinet contains a significant percentage of old-vine Carinena. Inky purple, it exhibits a brooding bouquet of mineral, scorched earth, black cherry, and black raspberry. It has significant tannin with enough fruit for balance. Dense, structured, and backward, this strapping Priorat is in need of 8-10 years of further cellaring. Purchasers must be willing to defer gratification for an extended period but they will eventually be rewarded.
Robert Parker – 93+ points |
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Clos Martinet 2006
The flagship 2006 Clos Martinet is a saturated purple color with an alluring bouquet of liquid mineral, lavender, cigar box, truffle, black cherry, and black raspberry. Fruit-forward, elegant, and smooth textured, this harmonious effort can be enjoyed over the next decade although it will continue to blossom for several more years.
Robert Parker – 94 points |
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