Ferrer Bobet
Vinyes Velles 2016
Priorat, Spain
Ferrer Bobet’s Vinyes Velles is an old vine blend of Carignane (70%) and Grenache (30%). It’s produced from some of the best steep slate hillside and terraced vineyards in Priorat. Though the “second wine” of Ferrer Bobet, the initial 2005 release put Ferrer Bobet on the wine world map. Two of the most important publications in Spain named it their wine of the year, and accolades came pouring in from Russia, the UK and the US. It launched the Ferrer Bobet mission of creating wines of elegance and purity, and the message has resonated.
VINEYARD
The vineyards are managed in a way fundamental to the philosophy of Ferrer Bobet: the development of a strict organic viticulture which completely excludes the use of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
The grapes grow on vineyard sites with steep terraces and hillsides. Grapes are picked by hand and placed into small 10kg bins. Berry by berry selection takes place on a double sorting table and the grapes are then transferred to tanks by gravity.
WINEMAKING
Fermentation takes place in 15 and 30 Hl wooden and stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation and aging in fine-grained, lightly toasted new French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottling is unfined and unfiltered, and the wine is bottle aged for a minimum of 11 months.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Carignane, Grenache
Appellation
Priorat, Spain
Alcohol
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$64.00
Reviews
"Combining power and elegance"
Wine Advocate - December 13, 2019 "As with other wines, the 2016 Vinyes Velles has a little less alcohol and more acidity than the 2015. There is a little more Cariñena, up to 70%, and the rest is Garnacha from old vines planted on slopes ("costers") and terraces. This is showing extremely well, combining power and elegance in a wine that feels concentrated but fresh, with the electric acidity of the vintage. It has floral, berry and herbal aromas and flavors and a supple finish, where the subtle minerality and texture seem to also provide an almost salty finish."
"Pure impression of perfect ripeness and fragrance"
Wine Spectator - January 16, 2020 "Impressive, dark-cherry and raspberry aromas here with a very pure impression of perfect ripeness and fragrance. The palate has a focused and succulent core of red cherries and red plums, cast amid such fresh, fine and clean-cut tannins."
"Sappy and energetic"
Vinous - March 19, 2021 "Saturated ruby. Expansive, mineral-tinged aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola, vanilla and incense, plus exotic spice and licorice nuances in the background. Sappy and energetic on the palate, offering intense cherry liqueur, red berry and spicecake flavors complemented by suggestions of five-spice powder and cola. Rich as well as lively, displaying fine definition and tension. Smooths out with air and finishes sappy and very long, with polished tannins adding gentle grip."
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Priorat
Priorat, Spain
Ferrer Bobet Priorat is the second vintage of a Priorat produced primarily from Ferrer Bobet’s own vineyards. It fulfills the vision of elegance, freshness and detail that were the reasons for starting the estate. It is a Carignan based blend, based on low vigor and high quality rootstocks and clones, aiming for perfectly balanced vines.
Selecció Especial
Selecció Especial Vinyes Velles is 100% Carignane from hundred year old vines in some of the best vineyards in Priorat, in one of the coolest, steepest and highest elevations of the appellation, factors which contribute to optimal phenolic ripeness and help preserve flavors and acidity. A wine of truly profound fruit and minerality.
