Mas La Plana 2012

A very Mediterranean nose, with dense focused dark berry and black olive notes, fragrant herbal and medicinal hints and savoury leathery hints. Spiced cedar oak dominates the succulent dark fruit flavours, with complex ripe tannins on long finish.

I had two vintages to taste side by side of the top Cabernet Sauvignon from Penedès, produced with grapes from the same 29 hectares of estate vineyards that name the wine. The 2012 Mas La Plana fermented in stainless steel and matured in French barriques (70% new) for 18 months. It was an extremely dry year, even if the end of the season was not particularly warm, but the wines are a little more concentrated. It felt fresher than the 2011, pretty balsamic and minty, but with notes of Mediterranean herbs too. The palate is neatly balanced, and there is no alcohol or heat to be found. It has fine tannins and nicely integrated oak. Very pleasant. 105,180 bottles and 641 magnums produced.

Deep spice and blackcurrant nose of considerable complexity. Great tannins and a lot of richness wrapped around them to create an almost seamless whole. The finish is long and plush. Drinking beautifully now and for some years.