Bodegas la Cartuja Priorat 2008- Priorat doesn’t come at a better value $12.95!

Finding any Priorat under $25 is difficult, so when I saw this 90 point example at $12.95, I had to try it.  I got hooked on Priorat after drinking the 2004 Mas Doix Salanques.  As I was drinking this Priorat for the first time, I found myself comparing it to that wine, which is quite a feat given it’s price.  So how does it compare?  It’s not as refined or flashy, but it’s also less than 1/3 the price and is easily better than any Priorat I’ve had under $25.  In other words, it’s a no brainer for $12.95 or anywhere under $20 for that matter.

I drank this wine for two nights and it was much sweeter and mouth-filling the second night.  This medium bodied wine pours a translucent ruby color.  Like many young Priorats it doesn’t have an overtly expressive nose, but what it lacks in fragrance, it makes up in flavor which is dry, yet sweet, and finishes with nice length.

If you haven’t experienced the wines of Priorat, Spain, this would be a great place to start.  If you already love Priorat, I’m confident that you will be very impressed with the value of the Bodegas la Cartuja.  Of note, the last few vintages of this wine have handily outperformed their price points, so watch for this one each year.

Buy Here: Bodegas la Cartuja La Cartuja Priorat 2008- $12.95

Robert Parker 90 points

“Bodegas La Cartuja’s 2008 La Cartuja is a blend of 50% Garnacha, 30% Carinena with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from organically farmed estate fruit aged in French oak for 8 months. It offers up a reticent nose of graphite, spice box, underbrush, lavender, black cherry, and plum. This leads to a plush, sweetly-fruited, concentrated, mouth-filling wine for drinking over the next 5-6 years. It is an amazing value and a great introduction to Priorat.”