The past few weeks I have experienced an onslaught of tastings. Some of the wines have been good, some have been horrible but since last Tuesday the game stepped up to a new level with one wine flooring me.
If you have never heard of the grape Samso, don't worry I just learned about it too! Samso (there is an accent above the "o" going to the right but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to add the symbol) is Catalan for Carinena (aka Carignan) and is grown all over Spain but in Montsant and Priorato you will finds some amazing examples of this varietal. Clos de Noi, Samso Montsant 2007 rocked me and I urge everyone to seek this wine out. I have not been able to find an image of the label, but when I do I will re-post this entry with the label.
Winery: Clos de Noi
Grape: Samso (aka Carinena, aka Cargnan)
Origin: Montsant, Spain
Vintage: 2007
Retail: $15 to $18
Importer: Vinos and Gourmet Inc (add this to your list of importers to know)
Website: N/A
Fun Fact: Montsant is a relatively new Denominacion de Origen. in northeastern Spain (established in 2001) that is primarily planted with old vines of Garnacha and Carinena. The old vines, altitude (300 m to almost 1,000 m) and the soil all combine to create wines of intensity, complexity and balance.
Tasting Notes: The wine is an inky purple in color and acts like a black hole would to light. When you bring the glass to your nose aromas of candied plums, blackberries, blueberries, black currants, violets, dried lavender, and exotic spices will tickle and tease you, but you will want more. Once the wine hits your lips the it rushes across your palate exploding like an atomic bomb of flavor and the fallout is of earthy and floral flavors. The force of this wine will make you submit to it and melt into its dense, rich and complex nature. Clos de Noi is medium in body with fine tannins with a finish that lasts for a very long time (+ 45 seconds). Though I did not try this wine with any food, it will complement grilled, roasted or full flavored dishes.
I just had this exact wine at a local restaurant. It was $54 a bottle, but they were having a half off bottle night. What a wonderful wine! I have never tasted any wine quite like this. I will be searching for it locally.
Posted by: Melissa Jaques | 22 April 2009 at 09:21 PM