Camins del Priorat 2019 by Álvaro Palacios is a bold yet balanced expression of Priorat’s rugged beauty. This blend—led by Garnacha and Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cariñena, and Merlot—packs intense black fruit, licorice, and balsamic notes into a juicy, powerful frame. Despite the hot, dry vintage, it retains freshness and polish, with chewy tannins and a touch of spice on the finish. A modern, approachable take on Priorat, perfect for rich, meaty dishes.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Dec 30, 2020
Drink: 2020 - 2024

The regional blend 2019 Camins del Priorat is a blend of 35% Garnacha, 24% Syrah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cariñena, 10% Merlot and 3% other varieties. The grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and then fermented with the natural yeasts in a combination of stainless steel, oak and concrete vats. After fermentation, it matured in barrel and oak vats for four months. This wine showcases the power and concentration of 2019, an extraordinarily warm and dry year, but the wine has great finesse. There are more balsamic aromas from the Bordeaux varieties, which incredibly didn't dehydrate that year: the leaves took a long time to turn yellow. There are notes of licorice and something balsamic. This is juicy and chewy, powerful, pungent and intense, with muscle but with great balance and very clean. This is the most modern and international of their wines, with a showy profile. A triumph over the conditions of the vintage. 237,000 bottles produced.

The latest wines from Álvaro Palacios in Priorat were tasted as part of the complete portfolio of wines in Rioja, Priorat and Bierzo. Those reviews were published in a separate article, but I've also included them here in the context of the rest of Priorat.

Vivino | Vivino 4.0

Offers full-bodied with rich, deeply concentrated black fruit flavors. Dark spices on the finish with some anise. Great for hearty meat dishes.