The wines of Clos Mogador have become as famous as other mythical wines of the world such as Italy's Sassicaia and Bordeaux's Chateau Margaux. Located in Gratallops in the heart of the Priorat hills, the estate is owned by Rene Barbier, descendent of a renowned family of French winemakers and one of the founders of the Priorat revolution. He was the first of a group of pioneers who made the “New Priorats” and has worked successfully towards recovering the region’s unique terroir.

In 1979, Barbier purchased a small plot of vineyard in the village of Gratallops which he planted with Grenache and Carignan, along with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This was the beginning of his Clos Mogador project. A few years later, he purchased a further 20 hectares in the guise of Manyetes (Vi de Vila de Gratallops) and Nelin (a white wine). Forever obsessed by terroir, Barbier strives to reveal the classic characteristics of this wine region and confesses that he has a weakness for Grenache.

The vineyard site for Clos Mogador is a vast amphitheater of crumbling slate, surrounded by mountains up to 1200 meters high, while the vineyard’s lower extremes are caressed by the Siurana River.

The prestigious Clos Mogador flagship release became Catalonia’s first officially recognized “Vi de Finca” or “estate wine”. Additionally it bears distinction as a D.O.Ca Priorat, which guarantees that all grapes used to make the wine have been sourced exclusively from a single vineyard for at least five years.

A proprietary blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it bides its time in carefully selected French oak barrels. Clos Mogador is made with affection and dedication, attentively following the traditional artisan methods of the world’s best ‘Grands Cru’ wines.

The 2021 Clos Mogador Proprietary Blend from Priorat, Spain, presents itself as a distinguished red wine, earning high praise across multiple reviews for its complexity and elegance.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive 98 points. Reviewer Luis Gutiérrez noted the wine's significant transformation, highlighting the "aromatic complexity and a beautiful texture" achieved through changes in vineyard composition and fermentation techniques. The 2021 vintage saw a reduction in Cabernet Sauvignon and an increase in Cariñena, which is anticipated to nearly match the quantity of Garnacha in future iterations. The wine matured in large oak foudres and concrete, leading to a balanced profile with "elegance and freshness." Gutiérrez added that the wine's character is deeply rooted in its Priorat and Mediterranean influences, marked by notes of "wet slate, graphite, aromatic herbs," and notably elegant tannins.

James Suckling's review, authored by Zekun Shuai, echoes this sentiment with a 97-point rating. Shuai describes the wine as "beautiful, fresh" with "lots of vibrancy," underscored by mineral and flint notes, complemented by the freshness of "freshly crushed blueberries and red berries." This vintage features "juicy, polished tannins with a little more crunch," distinguishing it from the 2020 vintage. The wine's brightness and vividness contribute to its long finish, making it suitable for immediate consumption or aging.

Wine Spectator also praised this vintage, giving it 93 points. The review emphasizes the wine's "fragrant version, with floral, herb, and mineral accents." The flavors of "pureed black raspberry and creamed black cherry" are highlighted by hints of "cola, licorice, and mocha," while "blood orange peel acidity provides bright, fine balance." This review notes the well-structured nature of the wine, with "sculpted tannins" that offer a "creamy, well-integrated edge."

In summary, the 2021 Clos Mogador Proprietary Blend stands out for its aromatic complexity, vibrant freshness, and balanced structure, making it a noteworthy selection for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.