Embruix de Vall Llach

DOQ Priorat

Sourced from estate vines primarily 15- to 25-years-old, Vall Llach’s Embruix (pronounced Embroosh), means “bewitching” in Catalan and the name, along with the symbol of a full moon on the wine’s label, is testament to the winery’s interest in biodynamic winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry red in color with a garnet rim, this wine contains aromas of dark fruits, cured cherry with an overlaying herbal sage and black licorice aspect, light powdery cocoa notes and violets. Slightly more crisp red fruits on the palate but the wine drifts a touch weighty overall. Intense and concentrated for an entry-level Priorat, the 2018 Embruix de Vall Llach has well-integrated acidity, round tannins and great structure, assuring this wine will age well for many years.

Fermented in stainless steel tanks with 17 days of fermentation at 77°F - 84°F. Including daily pigeage and gentle remontage and 12 days of post-fermentation maceration, followed by gentle pressing. The wine was transferred to 225 and 300 liter third and fourth wine barrels of medium toasted fine-grained new French oak.

Situated in one of the D.O.Q. Priorat’s oldest towns, Porrera, the relatively “young” vines that make up this wine are located on steep slopes comprised entirely of slate, known locally as llicorella.  Due to the steep slopes’ inability to retain water and the dry, fiery climate, even the clusters that come from Vall Llach’s youngest vineyards are small and dense, providing the Embruix with its characteristic “bewitching” quality. THE ESTATE-OWNED VINEYARDS
Vineyards: Six estate-owned vineyards
Elevation: 990-1,500 feet
Slope: terraces planted on 30-70% slopes
Size: 74 acres
Number of vines planted: est. 2,000 vines/acre
Production per vine: average of 1,000 grams
Vineyard planted: 1994-2000 (average age = 20+ years-old)

Varietals: Garnache, Syrah, Merlot, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5%
RS: 0.3 g/l

Sourced from estate vines primarily 15- to 25-years-old, Vall Llach’s Embruix (pronounced Embroosh), means “bewitching” in Catalan and the name, along with the symbol of a full moon on the wine’s label, is testament to the winery’s interest in biodynamic winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry red in color with a garnet rim, this wine contains aromas of dark fruits, cured cherry with an overlaying herbal sage and black licorice aspect, light powdery cocoa notes and violets. Slightly more crisp red fruits on the palate but the wine drifts a touch weighty overall. Intense and concentrated for an entry-level Priorat, the 2018 Embruix de Vall Llach has well-integrated acidity, round tannins and great structure, assuring this wine will age well for many years.

Situated in one of the D.O.Q. Priorat’s oldest towns, Porrera, the relatively “young” vines that make up this wine are located on steep slopes comprised entirely of slate, known locally as llicorella.  Due to the steep slopes’ inability to retain water and the dry, fiery climate, even the clusters that come from Vall Llach’s youngest vineyards are small and dense, providing the Embruix with its characteristic “bewitching” quality. THE ESTATE-OWNED VINEYARDS Vineyards: Six estate-owned vineyards Elevation: 990-1,500 feet Slope: terraces planted on 30-70% slopes Size: 74 acres Number of vines planted: est. 2,000 vines/acre Production per vine: average of 1,000 grams Vineyard planted: 1994-2000 (average age = 20+ years-old)

Sourced from estate vines primarily 15- to 25-years-old, Vall Llach’s Embruix (pronounced Embroosh), means “bewitching” in Catalan and the name, along with the symbol of a full moon on the wine’s label, is testament to the winery’s interest in biodynamic winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry red in color with a garnet rim, this wine contains aromas of dark fruits, cured cherry with an overlaying herbal sage and black licorice aspect, light powdery cocoa notes and violets. Slightly more crisp red fruits on the palate but the wine drifts a touch weighty overall. Intense and concentrated for an entry-level Priorat, the 2018 Embruix de Vall Llach has well-integrated acidity, round tannins and great structure, assuring this wine will age well for many years.

The 2018 vintage in DOQ Priorat turned out to be a balance between climatic extremes. Rainfall above average at the beginning of the growing season and spring was then answered by very hot temperatures following verasion and the lack of rain during July and August. The early ripening that resulted was moderated during the month of September, though, when light rains, dry wind from the north and a significant drop in temperatures favored a slower and more balanced maturity of the grapes’ concentration, which had been quickly accelerated during the hotter months. Harvest started early, in the second half of September and was finished mid October. Overall, it can be said that the 2018 vintage in DOQ Priorat produced healthy and exceptional grapes, and wines that are very pure and direct aromatically, described by winemaker Albert Costa as ‘mature, structured wines that are concentrated and elegant and with good acidity…characteristics that are all ideal for long bottle aging.’

In order to ensure optimum grape quality, all vineyard blocks and all varieties were manually harvested and vinified separately; over 90 separate micro-fermentations were performed.  After de-stemming, alcoholic fermentation took place between 25-29ºC in 2,500L and 5,000L stainless steel tanks over 15 days, with daily manual punch-downs.  Post-fermentative maceration lasted 12 days, followed by a soft press at which time the wine went through malolactic fermentation 50% in stainless steel tank and 50% in barrel.  The resulting wine was then aged in fine grain, 225- and 300-liter third- and fourth-year French oak barrels with a light-to-medium toast.  The barrels were racked once during the total aging time of 12 months.

Situated in one of the D.O.Q. Priorat’s oldest towns, Porrera, the relatively “young” vines that make up this wine are located on steep slopes comprised entirely of slate, known locally as llicorella.  Due to the steep slopes’ inability to retain water and the dry, fiery climate, even the clusters that come from Vall Llach’s youngest vineyards are small and dense, providing the Embruix with its characteristic “bewitching” quality. THE ESTATE-OWNED VINEYARDS Vineyards: Six estate-owned vineyards Elevation: 990-1,500 feet Slope: terraces planted on 30-70% slopes Size: 74 acres Number of vines planted: est. 2,000 vines/acre Production per vine: average of 1,000 grams Vineyard planted: 1994-2000 (average age = 20+ years-old)

Total Acidity:  4.9 g/l (0.49%) pH:  3.69 Alcohol by Volume:  15% Varietal Blend:  32% Garnacha, 26% Syrah, 21% Merlot, 15% Cariñena, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from estate vines primarily 15- to 25-years-old, Vall Llach’s Embruix (pronounced Embroosh), means “bewitching” in Catalan and the name, along with the symbol of a full moon on the wine’s label, is testament to the winery’s interest in biodynamic winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Dark cherry red in color with a garnet rim, this wine contains alluring aromas of ripe plums, freshly ground black pepper and clove. Intense and naturally concentrated for an entry-level wine, the Embruix is lush and round on the mid-palate with notes of chocolate-covered cherries and soft black licorice on the finish.

The 2017 vintage in DOQ Priorat turned out to be a balance between climatic extremes. Rainfall above average at the beginning of the growing season and spring was then answered by very hot temperatures following verasion and the lack of rain during July and August. The early ripening that resulted was moderated during the month of September, though, when light rains, dry wind from the north and a significant drop in temperatures favored a slower and more balanced maturity of the grapes’ concentration, which had been quickly accelerated during the hotter months.Harvest started early, in the second half of September and was finished between October 18thand 21st.Overall, it can be said that the 2017 vintage in DOQ Priorat produced healthy and exceptional grapes, and wines that are very pure and direct aromatically, described by winemaker Albert Costa as ‘mature, structured wines that are concentrated and elegant and with good acidity…characteristics that are all ideal for long bottle aging.’

In order to ensure optimum grape quality, all vineyard blocks and all varieties were manually harvested and vinified separately; over 90 separate micro-fermentations were performed.  After de-stemming, alcoholic fermentation took place between 25-29ºC in 2,500L and 5,000L stainless steel tanks over 15 days, with daily manual punch-downs.  Post-fermentative maceration lasted 12 days, followed by a soft press at which time the wine went through malolactic fermentation 50% in stainless steel tank and 50% in barrel.  The resulting wine was then aged in fine grain, 225- and 300-liter third- and fourth-year French oak barrels with a light-to-medium toast.  The barrels were racked once during the total aging time of 12 months.

Situated in one of the D.O.Q. Priorat’s oldest towns, Porrera, the relatively “young” vines that make up this wine are located on steep slopes comprised entirely of slate, known locally as llicorella.  Due to the steep slopes’ inability to retain water and the dry, fiery climate, even the clusters that come from Vall Llach’s youngest vineyards are small and dense, providing the Embruix with its characteristic “bewitching” quality.

Total Acidity:  4.9 g/l (0.49%) pH:  3.69 Alcohol by Volume:  15.5% Varietal Blend:  27% Garnacha, 26% Merlot, 21% Syrah ,18% Cariñena, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from estate vines primarily 15- to 25-years-old, Vall Llach’s Embruix (pronounced Embroosh), means “bewitching” in Catalan and the name, along with the symbol of a full moon on the wine’s label, is testament to the winery’s interest in biodynamic winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry red in color with a garnet rim, this wine contains soft aromas of black plumbs, cherry liqueur, freshly milled spice (including clove and black pepper), intertwined with earthy mineral notes. Intense and concentrated for an entry-level Priorat, the 2016 Embruix de Vall Llach has well-integrated acidity, round tannins and great structure, assuring this wine will age well for many years.

The 2016 vintage in Priorat was considered to be exceptional due to the lack of rain, beautifully moderate temperatures and the presence of dry air during key moments of the cycle of the vine. The year was marked by a dry winter, a rainy early spring and a rather cool and dry summer/early fall. While temperatures began to rise a few weeks following verasion, which accelerated the concentration of grape sugars, the heightened maturation was slowed down during the month of October, when moderate rains favored a slower and more balanced end of maturity. Harvest was delayed a full 3-8 days later than usual, ending on the 4th of November, with perfectly healthy and non-desiccated clusters. Overall it can be said that the 2016 vintage in Priorat exhibited an excellent extended maturation, which winemaker Albert Costa said gave rise to ‘mature, structured wines that are concentrated and elegant and with good acidity…characteristics that are all ideal for long bottle aging.’

Upon entry into the winery: In order to ensure optimum grape quality, all vineyard blocks and all varieties are manually harvested and vinified separately. Vinification: After de-stemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place between 25-29 ºC in 2,500L and 5,000L stainless steel tanks over 17 days, with daily manual punch-downs. Post-fermentative maceration lasts 12 days, and is followed by a soft press, after which 50% of the wine goes through ML in tank and 50% in barrel. Aging: Aged in fine grain, 225- and 300-liter third and fourth-year French oak barrels with a light-to-medium toast for a total time of 12 months. Bottling: March 2018

Situated in one of the D.O.Q. Priorat’s oldest towns, Porrera, the relatively “young” vines that make up this wine are located on steep slopes comprised entirely of slate, known locally as llicorella.  Due to the steep slopes’ inability to retain water and the dry, fiery climate, even the clusters that come from Vall Llach’s youngest vineyards are small and dense, providing the Embruix with its characteristic “bewitching” quality. THE ESTATE-OWNED VINEYARDS Vineyards: Six estate-owned vineyards Elevation: 990-1,500 feet Slope: terraces planted on 30-70% slopes Size: 74 acres Number of vines planted: est. 2,000 vines/acre Production per vine: average of 1,000 grams Vineyard planted: 1994-2000 (average age = 20 years-old)

Wine analysis: 4.9 g/l (0.49%) total acidity; 3.57 pH; 15.50% alcohol by volume Varietal Blend: 25% Merlot, 23% Garnacha, 21% Cariñena, 20% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

  • 20230901

    93

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, September 2023

    "Deep-violet in the glass, this wine has aromas of black cherry, raspberry and a hint of dried Mediterranean herbs. It is soft on entry, with polished tannins and flavors of blackberry, cassis, milk chocolate, violet and a touch of thyme that carries into the smooth finish."

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  • 2022-01-01

    89

    points

    Wine Spectator, January 2022

    "A stylish red, with spice box aromas and light, polished tannins, this is medium-bodied and shows notes of crushed blackberry, star anise and fig cake. Lightly herbed finish. Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2025. 2,240 cases imported."

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  • 2022-08-31

    89

    points

    Wine Spectator, August 2022

    "A fresh, medium-bodied red, with a delicate overtone of grilled herbs and tar-tinged smoke, which serve as a savory counterpoint to the flavors of black and red currant, mandarin orange peel and licorice. Shows moderate length on the lightly chewy finish. Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2025. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 5,000 cases made, 4,100 cases imported. "

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  • 2020-12-30

    90

    points

    Wine Advocate, December 2020

    "The youngest vines contribute to the 2017 Embruix, a blend of 27% Garnacha, 26% Merlot, 21% Syrah, 18% Cariñena and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon that is ripe and juicy but has a lot less oak than in the past. It's still heady and voluptuous at 15.5% alcohol, but it somehow comes through as quite harmonious and balanced. It matured in third and fourth use 300-liter oak barrels for 12 to 14 months. 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled between April and May 2019."

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  • 2019-10-15

    91

    points

    Wine Spectator, October 2019

    "This red is dense yet plush, with blackberry and espresso flavors, accented by licorice, wild herb and mineral notes. Well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity keep this focused. Harmonious, in a savory style. Garnacha, Merlot, Cariñena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2027. 5,000 cases made, 4,100 cases imported."

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  • 2019-07-01

    91

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, July 2019

    "Bold blackberry, black cherry and raisin aromas are balanced by ingrained minerality, always a good sign for Priorat. A saturated palate fits the house style for Embruix, while toast, coffee, blackberry and prune flavors finish chocolaty but not that long or complex."

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  • 2018-08-03

    89

    points

    James Suckling, James Suckling, August 2018

    "The attractive, full plum and cocoa-powder nose leads into a powerful and quite robust palate that is strong on dark fruit, but lacks a bit of freshness and charm on the finish. Drink now or hold."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2021 Embruix de Vall Llach – Tasting Note

2019 Embruix de Vall Llach – Tasting Note

2018 Embruix de Vall Llach – Tasting Note

2016 Embruix de Vall Llach Wine Enthusiast 91pts – Shelftalker

Embruix de Vall Llach – Bottle

2017 Embruix de Vall Llach – Tasting Note

2017 Embruix de Vall Llach – Label

2016 Embruix de Vall Llach – Bottle

2016 Embruix de Vall Llach – Label

2016 Embruix de Vall Llach – Tasting Notes

2014 Embruix de Vall Llach – Label

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