2001 Mas Igneus Vinyes de Coster FA 112
Most wine texts say that Priorat wines can stand up to Riojas and Ribera del Dueros. Indeed, some of them, such as this Mas Igneus Vinyes de Coster FA 112 vintage 2001, are potent and concentrate enough.
Burgundian in colour, its tertiary tones reminiscent of a tawny port(prunes,caramel, burnt sugar, liquorice, candied cherries, damp wood) come along with aromas of dried red fruit(raspberries), menthol, sappy cedar and dark chocolate. With sweetish finish(edging dry eventually) and a medium body, this 17-year old wine tastes reasonably long, strong with robust wood tannins still, oak notes of espresso, mineral and wood spice. Blend of 65% Garnacha, 25% old-vines Carinena and 10% Syrah from old hillside vines, it would need over 45 minutes full decanting to bring out the suppressed nuances. Drink up; not to keep. Better to go with Iberico ham and Sirloin. Quite some residual.
FA refers to Fusta Allier, Catalan for “Allier Wood”. The numbers indicate the age of the barrel and the months spent in it. Hence 112 with the 12 months in new Allier, which is filtered before bottling, but no additional fining agent used.
Some USPs and area of interests:
2001 is a good vintage in Priorat and this wine got a 4.3(one of the top, if not the highest) in Vivino ratings
organic
from old vines (between 60 and 100 years old), planted between slopes and terraces
on dark slate soil called Licorella(dark, glittering, quartz-like), giving the particular taste to the wine.
from Catalonia(not sure if you are for independence?)
new cellar with modern vats with its own vineyards
the range FA112 is produced almost entirely from “Coster” vineyards that produce grapes with the most concentration
de-stemming and a long period of maceration / fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks without any addition of sulphites
the wine decants into separate containers for two months during which it stabilises, and most of the sediment naturally precipitates out, so there is some purity in the palate
Scores are impressive. WS93, ST92, RP90.
Robert Parker summaries quite well, "The outstanding 2001 F.A. 112 (a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Carignan, and 10% Syrah aged one year in new French oak, and bottled unfiltered) boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with melted licorice, pepper, and hints of earth as well as oak. Medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannin, and sweet, pure flavors, it should be drunk over the next 10-12 years. This is an outstanding value.
