2021 Clos Mogador, Priorat

The eponymous red 2021 Clos Mogador fermented with some 30% full clusters trying to give it more freshness (but without noticing the stems) with a long maceration (40 to 50 days) and (almost) no punching down, with less extraction. There's been a progressive change in the vineyard (they removed the south-facing Cabernet Sauvignon), and they increased Cariñena (around 30%), which in the future will be almost as much as Garnacha. It has aromatic complexity and a beautiful texture. It matured in 2,000-liter oak foudres and a small part in barrel and later in concrete. The wine has 14% alcohol and has the Priorat, Mogador and Mediterranean character (wet slate, graphite, aromatic herbs) with more elegance and freshness. The tannins are also a lot more elegant, and the wine comes through as very balanced. They produced 35,000 bottles of this. It was bottled in June 2023.

98 points Luis Gutierrez robertparker.com

Clos Mogador from Priorat is an iconic Spanish red wine that embodies the power, elegance, and terroir-driven character of this rugged Catalan region. Founded by the visionary René Barbier, Clos Mogador was instrumental in transforming Priorat from a forgotten wine region into one of Spain's most celebrated appellations. Sourced from steep, slate-laden vineyards known as llicorella, this wine reflects both the ancient soils and Barbier's meticulous approach to winemaking.

In the glass, Clos Mogador presents a deep, inky ruby hue. The nose is intense and complex, bursting with aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, lavender, and crushed violets. Subtle hints of graphite, licorice, and toasted oak add further depth, while the distinctive mineral edge from the llicorella soil brings a unique, earthy elegance.

On the palate, it’s rich, powerful, and beautifully structured. Layers of dark fruit—blackcurrant, blueberry, and mulberry—are balanced by firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of cocoa, black pepper, and wild thyme unfold with each sip, while the finish is long, savoury, and mineral-driven, leaving traces of dark chocolate, balsamic spice, and crushed rock.

Clos Mogador is a wine built for special occasions and pairs perfectly with grilled lamb, venison, or dry-aged steak. It also complements rich mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and Mediterranean-inspired fare. While approachable now with a short decant, this wine has the structure to evolve gracefully for 15–20 years, gaining complexity while retaining its vibrant core.

René Barbier's Clos Mogador stands as a benchmark for Priorat, a wine that captures the raw beauty of the region while offering finesse and age-worthy elegance.