Terroir Al Limit - Priorat Arbossar 2020

Defying the winemaking wisdom of the time, Dominik Huber embraced the beauty and challenge of revitalizing the ancient Carignan vines of this north-facing L ’ Arbossar vineyard. Many of the plantings on these steep 1.6 hectares date back to 1910, placing them among the oldest in the region. L’Arbossar is an homage to both tradition and daring, marked by an elegant interplay between sun, shadow and the very wind that runs through the vines on these steep, 400-meter-high llicorella slopes. Crafted using whole bunch fermentation, 16 months vinification and aging in cement.

The wine opens with aromatic red and blue fruits and heady herbs of rosemary and sage. It echoes the dichotomy of the rugged Priorat landscape and fresh, crunchy fruit. Sleek and concentrated, with a nearly pristine purity, electric acidity and lingering finish. A wine with French soul, German head and Spanish heart.

"The fruit profile of the 2020 Arbossar is completely different from the 2019s, with darker fruit and a smoky note, despite not having any oak (they stopped the foudres for this wine in 2016), but that note goes away with time in the glass. 2020 was a very challenging year, when they lost a lot of the grapes to mildew, and this is the only wine they produced; this is a vineyard near their house and winery and they had better access, other vineyards were difficult to reach because of the rain and also the limitations of manpower because of COVID-19. So, it's a year marked by mildew and the coronavirus. It's soft and fruit-driven, with round tannins and a soft mouthfeel. 4,208 bottles were filled in October 2021. Drink 2022 - 2026." - 93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"An old-vine carignan that is naturally concentrated in flavors, but not in form. Some cement and crushed-stone character to the smoked blue fruit, wild berries, flowers and grilled herbs. Medium-to full-bodied palate with fresh fruit and a supple texture. Very fresh, delicate and composed for a carignan. Drink now or hold." - 96 points, James Suckling

Producer: Terroir Al Limit

Country: Spain

Region: Catalonia

Varietal: Cariñena

Appellation: Priorat

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml