2014 Celler Cal Pla “Black Slate” Porrera Priorat
2014 Black Slate Porrera – K&L Wines $17.99
One of my favorite red wines is available at KL Wines and other wine retailers. Again, as in the past vintages, it is priced under $20 and easily drinks like a $40 bottle of red wine. The name Black Slate refers to the unique soil of the Priorat wine region in Spain. The locals call it Llicorella. The Priorat is mostly vineyards of old vines of Grenache and Carinena (Carignane). The soil combined with the old vine grapes are what give the Priorat wines definition, body, and distinctive flavors. In the past, I have reviewed previous vintages (starting with the 2011 vintage) of the Black Slate. All have been lovely. The importer is Eric Solomon. Each vintage Eric selects two Priorat estates for his Black Slate red wines (two different labels). The wines show the distinctive characteristics of the single-estate areas of the Priorat. The 2014 Porrera is a definite addition to the wine cellar to be aged for a few years.
Garnacha vines in Black Slate (llicorella) soil
About 2014 Celler Cal Pla “Black Slate” Porrera Priorat
Let this wine breathe for at least one hour. As it sits in the glass, the wine changes. The Black Slate Porrera gives us lush, dark fruit character throughout with some of the soil and earthiness tucked into this balanced and flavorful wine. It is smooth on the palate, and the finish is very long. The flavor of the 2014 Black Slate is distinctive: The blend is 50% Garnacha, 40% Carinena, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker rates the 2014 Black Slate at 92 Points. We will go with 90 Points.
Another reason I like this wine so much is that Janelle and I visited the Priorat wine region in 2013. We arrived at the peak of harvest and witnessed the meticulous process of sorting the grapes, twice over. We saw the giant concrete fermenting tanks in which the juice is fermented and aged. We met winemakers, chefs, and others. We sampled several Priorat wines, many of which I could not afford to purchase. When I see a decent Priorat wine for under $20, it is a “must try.” A bottle of wine always tastes better when there is a story behind the wines.
We have fond memories of our trip through the Priorat and Montsant wine regions and of our wonderful tour guide, Rachel Ritchie.
Janelle and Joe in the Priorat at Bodegas Mas Alta
Foods we like with the 2014 Black Slate Porrera
- A meaty Paella with pork and chicken
- Grilled Ribeye or other steaks
- Pork ribs
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