Jeb Dunnuck ratings on 2016 Vintage
"Full-bodied, concentrated, sexy style"
The independent wine critic Jeb Dunnuck gives 95 points to 2016 Perinet 1194
Colorado (2.13.2020) by Jeb Dunnuck
2016 PERINET 1194 —95 points
The flagship release, the 2016 Priorat 1194 is a selection of the best vineyard parcels as well as the best barrels in the winery. Mostly Grenache and Carignan, with a tiny amount of Syrah, it offers a more full-bodied, concentrated, sexy style as well as terrific notes of mulled black cherries, blueberries, incense, dried herbs, and earth. It too should have a solid 10-15-year drink window.
2016 PERINET PENDENTS—94+ points
The estate also makes a terrific 100% Carignan, and the 2016 Priorat Pendents showed beautifully. Coming from a steel, rocky hillside vineyard, it has vibrant notes of blood orange, blueberries, cherries, leather, and just a huge amount of minerality. This is classic Carignan and is medium to full-bodied, has terrific mid-palate depth, good acidity, and the tannins, which can often be a problem with this variety, are beautifully polished. Count me impressed. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.
2016 PERINET —94 points
The larger production cuvée is the 2016 Priorat Perinet, a rocking wine based on Grenache and Carignan. This medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced effort has nicely integrated acidity, good mid-palate depth, fine tannins, and classic Grenache red and blue fruits, leather, and rocky, mineral-like nuances. It’s going to evolve for 10-15 years or more.
2016 PERINET MERIT —91 points
Coming from the cooler, northern end of the Priorat, the 2016 Priorat Merit is a beautiful, ageworthy wine based on a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache and Carignan. With lots of blueberry, liquid violet, and new leather notes as well as ample rocky minerality, it’s medium to full-bodied, balanced, and has a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming decade or so.
2016 PERINET MAS VELL —91 points
Lastly, the 2016 Priorat Mas Vell is all Grenache and is one of the more supple, sexy wines in the lineup. Loads of blue fruits, new leather, black olive, and licorice notes dominated the bouquet and it’s medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and is just a delicious red. Brought up in 30-40% new barrels, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
