Priorat Spanish Wine - Heredad Soliterra 2004

This one packs a punch at 14.5% and is from the Priorat region of Spain, in Catalunya.  Some say an up and coming area. I say that it is already a star and just needs to secure better distribution to compete with good ole Rioja.

It is made with three grapes - Garnacha, Carignan and Shiraz and the result is a rich, full-bodied mouthful of 'new age' Spanish wine - not a Tempranillo grape in sight!  It is also matured in oak barrels for 3 months which gives it a more rounded and toasty flavour.

2004 was generally a good year for Spanish wine-makers and this is a good result that will complement any lamb, beef or BBQ dinner.  It will keep for another 5 years and will probably be 'a point' this time next year.