Only Spain can deliver ‘hundred bucks a bottle’ levels of intensity for a whole lot less, and only The Wine Spies can hunt that down for you, slipping it under $20! Add the visionary direction of a Master Somm, 92 Parker points, and you have a sure bet.

Exactly what you’d expect from super low yielding gnarly old vines, this speaks volumes, of deeper roots clinging onto otherwise impenetrable granite and schist. It’s big, it’s burly, pleasantly rustic yet with rich fruitiness peeking through, lifting it all to balance with vibrancy and freshness that only great terroirs are capable of synthesizing, and only when in the right hands.

Savor with your own, personal tapas, close your eyes and drift to San Sebastián, nibbling on one yummy pintxo after another, while waiting for your pasture raised ribeyes charring over a coal fire.

While the storied Clos of Priorat – Clos Erasmus, Clos Mogador – steal the spotlight with huge scores, Clos Pissarra continues to fly under the radar offering a taste of the same terroir.

Robert Parker has consistently rated Clos Pissarra reds 90+ points, here’s his insider’s story… “Emmanuel Kemiji is a Master Sommelier born in the US but raised in Madrid. He is also owner of Miura Vineyards in California. He started a small project in Priorat back in 2003 with some partners, including some chefs, some friends from his time at the Ritz Carlton, Sylvain Portay, Gerald Hirigoyen, Laurent Manrique and even some celebrities like Antonio Banderas. The project has kept a low profile and I previously had only heard the name but had never actually tasted the wines. They produce wines from Montsant and Priorat, as they own vineyards in both appellations… Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW met Kemiji in California, was impressed by the wines and got me in contact with him. I’m glad she did…”

Thanks Bob, so are we!

Exclusively here for the day, let the Catalan sunshine in, while supplies last…

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Clos Pissarra is a little known Priorat project led by master sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji, owner of Miura Vineyards in California. They produce from vineyards in the villages of Falset, Bellmunt del Priorat, El Molar and El Lloar, but the wines do not carry any appellation of origin. Intoxicating and heady, with tons of smoky bacon, graphite and decayed violets. The palate is full-bodied with glossy tannins, and there’s a warm finish with notes of dark cherries in liqueur. It reminds me more of something from the Northern Rhône than Priorat. Showy! Drink 2018-2021.”