Clos Manyetes is an ancient, barren slate-soiled vineyard supporting 80 year old Carignan vines. Located in the town of Gratallops - home of both l'Ermita and Clos Erasmus - the vineyard is considered by many to be potentially the greatest in Priorat. Owned by appellation pioneer Rene Barbier (owner of Clos Mogador ), the program here is to respect the natural potential of the vines. Harvesting at dramatically low levels the first vintage in 1999 yielded only 880 cases. Aged in large Burgundian barrels to avoid masking the wild fruit character, the wine is blended with a small percentage of Cabernet, Syrah and Garnacha for additional structure. The resulting wine is laden with a dark berry quality layered with a garrigue flavor not unlike a top Chateauneuf du Pape.

Priorat Velles Vinyes
2000 $44.99 limited
"70% Carignan, the rest cabernet sauvignon, Grenache and syrah; yet another Priorato wine made by appellation pioneer Rene Barbier. Full ruby-red. Extravagantly ripe aromas of dark berry liqueur and spice cake. Dense and fat, with powerful fruit flavors of superb depth. A floral component and strong acids really give the wine inner-mouth perfume and lift. Shows almost dried-fruit flavors but retains freshness. Finishes very long, with fine tannins. Priorato produced a short crop in 2000, and it shows in the concentration of this wine." 92-94 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 11/12-01
1999 $42.99 very limited
"Deep ruby. Warm, nutty aromas of currant, cherry, tobacco, spice cake and flowers. Lush, pliant and sweet, with expressive flavors of red berries, bitter chocolate and spices. Very rich but seems less structured than the young 2000. This would make a lovely drink right now. Tannins are dusty and fine." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 11/12-01