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By: Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/27/2019 | Send Email
This head-turning wine is back with a vengeance in a vintage that is better than ever. Dark, brambly berries are apparent upfront but defer to rich, coffee-like earth, bound together by firm, even-handed structure. The aromatics are spot-on - garrigue and violets showing the pedigree of the Montsant terroir. Though it lacks Priorat's famous black slate, the soil there is chock full of limestone and clay, and the Mas Donis displays the mineral qualities of the region beautifully. This is a lot of wine for the price, and I am excited to see it in the store again.
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By: Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
Importer Eric Solomon has done it once again! He consistently finds some of the greatest cost to quality wines in France and Spain and the Mas Donis ranks right up there with his best offerings - which include Domaine Lafage and the Black Slate wines. Saturated with deep brambly fruit, this wine explodes out of the glass but never forgets its home place of Montsant (née Priorat). For all intents and purpose - this is a "Baby Priorat" in Montant clothing. Pure, lush and extravagant - you won't believe you're only spending $13 on this exquisite gem.
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By: Kirk Walker | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
This is an amazing cross over wine. Previous vintages of this I have happily given to anyone looking for a Cotes du Rhone or a value priced Rhone blend from any region in the world. If you asked for one of those I also told you about this wine. This vintage is different, this wine is more intense, darker, more concentrated than any previous vintage. You come looking for a Gigondas or Chateauneuf recommendation, you will also be told about this. Ask for a Priorat, you'll be told about this. Rhone from Paso Robles, I almost feel bad about the QPR difference. I might be exaggerating, but not really. This wine will exceed expectations, and we have it just in time for summer.
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By: Chris DePaoli | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/25/2019 | Send Email
Back up the truck, this is the wine you've been saving the big space in you cellar for. Lighter than the Montsant labeling would have you think, there's still a smokiness, the same found in higher-end Southern Rhones, that layers over the pine needle and blue black fruit that shouldn't let this juice have the delicate structure it somehow still does - Lie about how much you spent, no one will believe you anyway.
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By: Ryan Moses | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/25/2019 | Send Email
The aromatics, flavor profile, and depth of this year's Mas Donis remind me of a $40 Gigondas or entry-level Châteauneuf. Perhaps there's a bit of new-era, terroir-driven Priorat in there. There's garrigue, blue and black fruits, good persistence, and a medium-weight palate that speaks more to finesse than volume. This is a brilliant vintage for Mas Donis and one that will find many fans now and down the road. At this price, it will be hard to refrain from pulling corks, but it should drink well for the next 5-7 years.
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