Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat 2022

Clos i Terrasses began in 1988, when Daphne Glorian invested her life savings in seventeen vineyard terraces outside Gratallops. Born in Paris and raised between France and Switzerland, Daphne discovered fine wine while working for wine merchant Kit Stevens MW. Through René Barbier and Álvaro Palacios, she encountered Priorat and joined the small group of producers whose work would help transform the region’s international reputation. European Cellars

Together with Josep Lluís Pérez and Carles Pastrana, the group pooled resources for the 1989 vintage, initially producing a shared wine released under five labels: Clos Mogador, Clos Dofí, Clos Martinet, Clos de l’Obac, and Clos Erasmus. As their projects developed independently, Daphne established her own voice. She named Clos Erasmus after Desiderius Erasmus, a favorite writer of hers and her father’s, whose In Praise of Folly offered a fitting reference to her adventurous investment. europeancellars.com

The estate’s original vineyard, Escales, occupies a wooded hollow near Gratallops: 1.7 hectares arranged across seventeen steep terraces. Its north-facing exposure encourages slower ripening, while Priorat’s characteristic llicorella slate soils form the foundation of the wines. Additional sites gradually broadened the estate’s holdings, with Garnatxa at the center of its identity alongside Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Despaña Vinos Y Más

Another important chapter began in 2004, when Ester Nin joined as viticulturist, guiding the transition to biodynamic farming. The vineyards are certified organic and managed according to biodynamic principles, reflecting a commitment to soil health and the individuality of each site. Clos Erasmus remains a rigorously selected, small-production flagship, while Laurel offers a separate expression of the estate’s vineyards. European Cellars

Daphne’s achievements also helped establish women at the forefront of modern Spanish wine. Clos Erasmus earned consecutive 100-point Wine Advocate scores for the 2004 and 2005 vintages, bringing international attention to both her work and Priorat. Despite that recognition, she has maintained a deliberately limited production of the flagship rather than expanding it at the expense of selection.

"There was a note in the nose of the 2022 Clos Erasmus that explained that it's friends with the Laurel. In 2022, the Syrah behaved quite well, and some of the Syrah from Erasmus went to Laurel because she didn't want too much Syrah in Erasmus, which can represent perhaps 20% of the blend with a majority of Garnacha. There's aromatic complexity and nuance, with tender notes of wild berries and flowers, some pit fruit, a touch of earth and some sweet spices and smoke. The meaty effect of the Syrah is more noticeable after one hour in the glass. It's medium-bodied, and the palate this year surprised me, because the wine is really fine-boned and elegant, without lacking ripeness or clout. This is certainly not shy at 15.5% alcohol. The tannins are super fine and elegant, with an ethereal quality to them. It's still quite young but approachable. 3,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024." - 98 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"A spicy, elegant, gorgeous wine brimming in rich red and orange fruit, the 2022 Clos Erasmus is silky, a balanced commingling of 80% Garnatxa and 20% Syrah from high-elevation older vines planted at two different sites. A parcel selection every year, it’s aged entirely in French Burgundy barrels with only 4,000 bottles produced. Give it 2-5 years to hit its prime, and it should age another 10-15 more years with ease. The hardest question will be why wait?" - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Clos Erasmus

Country: Spain

Region: Catalonia

Varietal: Garnacha, Syrah

Appellation: Priorat

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml