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2014 Buil & Giné “Pleret” Priorat, Spain
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s materials and vintage information)
Varietal Composition: Garnacha (Garnatxa) & Cariñena (Carinyena)
Location: Priorat DOCa, Catalonia, Spain
Specialty Factor: Organically farmed, old-vine parcels on llicorella (decomposed slate) terraces; “Pleret” is a cellar selection emphasizing depth and elegance
Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through ~2030 for added tertiary complexity
A Few More Details
Hand-harvested fruit from steep, terraced vineyards rooted in the region’s hallmark slate. Gentle destemming and a cool maceration precede a controlled fermentation designed for fine, polished tannins. The wine ages 12–16 months in French oak (a modest portion new) and rests in bottle before release, balancing power with purity and minerality.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with garnet edges. Lifted aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry compote weave with violet, licorice, cocoa, and a distinctive slate/graphite note. The palate is concentrated yet refined—dark fruit at the core, framed by savory Mediterranean herbs and subtle baking spice. Firm, well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity carry a long, mineral-driven finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions!
Red Meats: Grilled lamb with rosemary; ribeye with smoked paprika butter; braised short ribs
Mediterranean & Tapas: Pork shoulder with romesco; chorizo and roasted peppers; patatas bravas
Vegetarian: Wild-mushroom ragù over polenta; roasted eggplant with thyme; charred cauliflower with paprika and almonds
Cheese: Aged Manchego, Idiazábal, or Mahón Curado
About
The Buil & Giné family returned to their Priorat roots in 1996, championing wines that express pure fruit, site, and balance. “Pleret” channels Priorat’s dramatic slate terroir and old vines into a dry red of intensity without heaviness—powerful, polished, and unmistakably Priorat.
2009 Raats Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website and vintage records)
Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Specialty Factor: Old-vine Chenin Blanc, one of South Africa’s benchmark expressions of the grape
Cellar Aging: Drink now (at peak maturity) or hold through 2026
A Few More Details
Sourced from unirrigated bush vines averaging 25–35 years old, planted in decomposed granite and table mountain sandstone soils in Stellenbosch. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and seasoned French oak barrels. The wine then underwent extended lees contact for texture and complexity.
2009 was a classic vintage for Stellenbosch, producing Chenin Blancs with excellent balance of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and long aging potential.
Tasting Notes
Golden straw in color with brilliant clarity. Aromas of baked quince, yellow apple, honeycomb, and ripe pear mingle with hints of ginger, lanolin, and flinty minerality. The palate is rich yet taut, showing layers of stone fruit, citrus marmalade, and toasted almond, balanced by Chenin’s hallmark acidity. With age, subtle notes of beeswax and hay add savory depth. A long, creamy, mineral-driven finish reflects both terroir and bottle age.
Food Pairing Suggestions!
Seafood: Lobster with drawn butter; Grilled scallops with lemon zest; Pan-seared halibut with beurre blanc; Cape Malay-spiced prawns
Poultry & White Meat: Roast chicken with herbs and garlic; Duck breast with orange glaze; Pork tenderloin with apple compote
Vegetarian: Butternut squash risotto; Cauliflower gratin with Gruyère; Grilled corn and avocado salad; Brie baked with honey and walnuts
Cheese: Young Comté, aged Gouda, or goat’s cheese with honey drizzle
About:
Raats Family Wines, founded in 2000 by winemaker Bruwer Raats, has built its reputation on a singular focus: world-class Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch. Guided by the belief that Chenin is South Africa’s signature white grape, Raats has pioneered both classic and innovative expressions of the variety. The 2009 Chenin Blanc exemplifies the estate’s philosophy — old-vine fruit, minimal intervention, and a balance of purity and texture. Today, Raats Chenin Blancs are recognized globally as benchmarks for the varietal, showing both immediate charm and remarkable capacity to evolve in bottle.
West Seattle Wine Cellars 