Álvaro Palacios L'Ermita 1998
- Inventory on the way
- We send it to the whole of Europe
Álvaro Palacios L'Ermita 1998
DOCa Priorat | Catalonia | Spain
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Description
Álvaro Palacios’ arrival in Priorat changed the destiny of this region, especially with the creation of L'Ermita — his legendary cuvée that helped elevate Priorat to global prestige (the 2013 vintage earned 100 Parker points). In its early days, only Peter Sisseck’s Pingus could rival it on the Iberian Peninsula.
After two formative years at Château Pétrus, Álvaro returned with unmatched experience and passion, crafting vineyards of the highest calibre in Priorat. Finca Dofí was the first, and L'Ermita soon followed — using incredibly low yields and innovative winemaking for the time.
The site of L'Ermita is unique: ancient bush-trained Garnacha vines (planted in 1910 and 1940) near the village of Gratallops, facing northeast at 400–520m altitude on steep slopes of llicorella (slate) soils.
The 1998 L'Ermita is strikingly expressive, with immense dry extract, depth, and elegance — balanced by fresh acidity and silky tannins. An intricate profile of dried flowers, red fruits, cassis, sweet spices, slate, incense and extraordinary length. Production is minuscule.
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Tasting Notes
Deep ruby colour with garnet edges. The bouquet offers layers of ripe black fruit, sweet spices, Mediterranean herbs, leather, cedar and graphite. On the palate: majestic, with ultra-fine tannins, an enveloping body, and an endless finish laced with balsamic and mineral notes.
A rare Spanish masterpiece, made from over 80-year-old vines on steep slate terraces. Created with a Burgundian spirit but a soul that is wholly Catalan.
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Winemaking & Terroir
• 100% Garnacha (predominantly), with old bush-trained vines (planted in 1910 & 1940)
• Vineyard: steep llicorella slate terraces in Gratallops
• Elevation: 400–520 m
• Manual harvest, heroic viticulture
• Aged in French oak barrels
• Now over 25 years old and at peak expression — rare and highly collectible
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Suggested Pairings
• Dry-aged beef, ribeye or roast lamb
• Game meats (venison, wild boar)
• Intense aged cheeses (Manchego viejo, aged Serra)
• Perfect for grand celebrations or quiet meditation — best decanted in advance
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