2017 Familia Torres Cos Perpetual Proprietary Blend

2017 Familia Torres Cos Perpetual

94 VM

Featured Review

Glass-staining violet. A pungent, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh cherry, boysenberry and licorice, along with a suave floral overtone and a hint of smokiness. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering intense red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and an emerging exotic spice note. The impressively long, mineral- and floral-tinged finish is shaped by fine-grained tannins that slowly fade away. Vinous Media

Vinous (Galloni) | 94 VM

A tight, focused red with blueberry, conifer, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavors. Rather linear in texture and length. A little tight, but a delicious and savory, even subtle wine in the end. Drinkable now, but better in 2021.

James Suckling | 93 JS

This deep red-violet-colored wine features aromas of blackberry, vanilla and iodine. There is a good balance of brightness and tannins that slowly builds to a crescendo amid flavors of black cherry, strawberry, caramel, clove and ground coffee. A pleasing note of orange zest marks the long finish.

Wine Enthusiast | 93 WE

I tasted two vintages of the old-vine red from Priorat, from two very different years, and in both they have introduced some changes. The 2017 Perpetual comes from a warm, dry and low-yielding year when they went for a less-extractive vinification (shorter macerations), especially in the case of the Cariñena, which represents 79% of the blend here, with the remaining 21% being Garnacha. The grapes are sourced from slopes of old vines from local growers in the villages of Porrera, Torroja, Lloar, Molar and Bellmunt, mixing warmer and cooler places, trying to achieve a balance that expresses the character of the place. It fermented in small stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts and matured for 17 to 18 months in French oak barrels and foudre, only 30% of them new, while in the past it was up to 100% new. There are notes of wild berries and herbs and a layer of spices and earth. It’s medium to full-bodied, with some grainy tannins, flavors of ripe grapes and a dry, long finish. 18,977 bottles and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in July 2019.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92+ RP

Silky-textured tannins surround the black cherry, balsamic, mocha and pureed raspberry flavors of this concentrated red. A fresh acidity keeps this focused, with mountain herb, spice and licorice notes gaining traction on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 1,648 cases made, 32 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 91 WS

Type of Wine	Spain Red : Spanish wines shouldn't be overlooked under any circumstances, as there are plenty of extraordinary wines coming from this country. There are also lots of grape varietals grown all over Spain. Some of the most gorgeous red varieties are the early-harvested Tempranillo, raspberry-flavored Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Spain : Grapevines have been cultivated on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years, making Spain one of the oldest wine producing countries on earth. With nearly 1 million hectares under vine, Spain is in possession of more grapevines that any other nation in the world. Today, vineyard cultivation takes place in virtually every administrative district, making it a leading producer on today’s market. Spain’s vineyards generate an annual wine output of 40.7 million hectoliters, ranking it third in the world behind only France and Italy. Spain is a land of breathtaking beauty, diverse topography, complex cultures and a time honored tradition of viticulture. The country’s broad geographical values play a major role in defining the many wine styles produced. From the cool climes of Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees to arid Andalucía in the south, and every region in between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Spain boasts one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. The country’s myriad of soils and complex climate systems creates an expansive planting ground for a multitude of varietals. Tempranillo has long played an instrumental role in Spanish winemaking. It is important to note that of the 236,000 hectares being cultivated world-wide, 202,000 are planted in Spain. It is commonly utilized in the production of still red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro and has taken the world by storm. In the past few decades, wines produced in Rioja have been some of the most popular, and in 2017, wines with a “Rioja” label were the most purchased on the wine market. Bodegas Vega Sicilia, located in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain has been one of the most sought after producers hailing from Spain, and Tinta de Toro (otherwise known as Tempranillo everywhere else) has certainly placed its mark on the region and the world. Spain is also renowned for its production of sweet, raisened Moscatel, fortified Madeira, sparkling Cava and its rising, but shining star, Albarino, which hails from the Rias Baixas appellation of Galicia. Some of the most recognizable names in the world of wine hail from Spain. In the past few decades there has been a collision of New and Old World winemaking; one which has greatly contributed to the continued success of the Spanish wine industry. Modernization of vineyards, facilities and viticulture has greatly improved the significance of Spain in the wine market. Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Spanish wine regions and combined with the indigenous Garnacha (Grenache) Garnacha Blanca (Grenache Blanc), Godello and many others, the country has not only adapted to new styles of winemaking but also the ever changing palate of consumers.
Region	Priorat : Coming from the autonomous community of Catalonia, Priorat reds are some of the most powerful and commanding wines on the market today. Their sheer strength and rich, intense flavor have earned them a spot in many collectors' cellars, as well as a part in some of the most grandiose feasts ever arranged. The winemakers' ability to bring out the full potential of Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Peluda, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals is legendary, and their whites aren't far behind, making use of the unique flavor and intensity of Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, and more. The environment these grapes are grown in is notoriously difficult to tame, posing a challenge for even the most experienced winemaking veterans. However, should they succeed, the rewards are majestic, with a flavor bouquet combining tar, licorice, and strong, brandied cherries. There really isn't anything like these wines in any other region, and so collectors from around the globe keep a close eye on this community and its glorious produce. There's something inimitable about fine Priorat, something calculated yet not fully bound by logic, like an elixir from some old alchemical myth. Should you wish to add a Priorat bottle or two to your collection, we're here to help you out. As a premium wine retailer, we've assembled a careful selection of the most groundbreaking Priorat wines!
Subregion	Priorat