Amante Distributing

La Planella 2005
Joan d’ Arguera
D.O. Montsant

One of the most exciting producers emerging out of Spain is Joan d'Anguera. Located in the new Monsant Denominación, this family estate dates back 200 years. Monsant, formerly part of the Tarragona Denominación, is found in the heart of the Tarragona region. Surrounding the famous D.O.C. of Priorat, Monsant is southwest of Barcelona.
The vineyards lie at an altitude of 200 to 300 meters on clay and calcareous soils. The majority of the Syrah and Cabernet plantings are now more than 20 years old, and the Grenache and Carignan are more than 50 years old. Joan d'Anguera uses barrels of American oak sourced in Spain from Martin de la Rioja as well as French oak sourced in France from Demptos.

The two sons of the late patriarch, Josep and Joan Anguera, run this domain under the vigilant eye of their mother. Their intention is to produce the best Syrah-based wines of Spain. Known as "Mister Syrah" in Spain, Josep (the father) was a man with an extensive knowledge of the international wine scene. Introduced to Syrah by a Spanish enologist who had traveled to California in the 1970s, Josep started planting the grape in 1977 anywhere he could find vineyard space.

La Planella 2005

Tasting Notes -Ripe, dense cherry liqueur-like nose scented with some spices. On the palate, the wine is rich and plush with a fruity and spicy finish.
Wine Maker’s Notes: 2005 was an excellent vintage with very ripe tannins. Made from 50% Carignan, 20% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah. Fermented in stainless steel tehn aged in French and American oak for 6 months.

89 points
J.M. (eRobertParker.com, 2-28-07)
The Wine Advocate

D.O. Montsant

Officially approved by Madrid in August 2001, this area is no longer known as D.O. Tarragona subzona Falset. And with good reason--Montsant is more similar to Priorat than Tarragona. In fact, it's named after a mountain that lies within Priorat.

While similar to Priorat, there are a few differences. Loose red sands and limestone are found instead of the black slate of Priorat.

The region boasts dry reds that are concentrated, deep red, and with high alcohol content. Along with old vine carignan and grenache, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot are also planted.