Scala Dei

Sort By:

Scala Dei 2001 Cartoixa Red (Priorat)

Price $30

Pure and cerebral, but with enough natural liveliness that you can’t help but love it. Aromas of schist, lavender and plum mix with oak-driven bacon and chocolate to create a welcoming whole. Sizable cherry and plum flavors are round but also precise and firm. Looming tannins suggest some cellaring may be warranted. The blend is Garnacha followed by Syrah and… — M.S. (10/1/2005)

points

Scala Dei 2005 Cartoixa Red (Priorat)

Price $52

Deep purple in color, with roasted, rubbery aromas of wild blackberry. Thick, lush and rich in the mouth, with mellow tannins (for a Priorat wine) and big, broad flavors of plum, blackberry and herbs. Smooth on the finish, with black tea notes and leftover oak. Has a lot going for it; drink now through 2012. — M.S. (6/1/2010)

points

Scala Dei 2000 Cartoixa Reserva Red (Priorat)

Price $26

Full and earthy, and very oaky. But also quite solid and forceful, with delicious cola, cherry and plum flavors following in the wake of sweet berry and barrel-based aromas. Rich enough on the palate, with typical Priorat ruggedness. A commendable effort that offers plenty. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Syrah. — M.S. (12/31/2004)

points

Scala Dei 2004 Prior Red (Priorat)

Price $22

Very sound and secure. Prior exhibits the slightest aromatic notes of raisin and prune, but mostly it zeroes in on dense but fresh black fruit, schist and black olives. It’s full-bodied but neither mean nor tannic. And the finish, which has some heat, is defined by licorice and cola. Balanced and ready to drink. Best now into 2010. — M.S. (6/1/2008)

points

Scala Dei 2006 Cartoixa Red (Priorat)

Price $52

This perennially consistent Priorato deals graphite, coconut, leather, forest and oaky, chocolaty berry aromas in front of a round, mouthfilling palate. Tastes primarily of plum, cherry and currant, with a snappy finish defined by red fruit flavors and length. Perfectly good and ready; can hold through 2014. — M.S. (5/1/2012)

points

Scala Dei 2004 Cartoixa Red (Priorat)

Price $50

A very ripe specimen that some Priorat buffs might label overripe. The nose has syrupy berry aromas while the palate is creamy, sweet and full of blackberry and brown sugar flavors. Teetering on sticky, this is a wine for the modern palate. Those who expect fierce tannins, asphalt and other rough and tough characteristics may be disappointed. Drink now–2010. — M.S. (6/1/2008)

points

Scala Dei 2001 Prior Criança Grenache (Priorat)

Price $22

Smooth and open, with pretty cherry, fudge and maple aromas. Rather zingy and stand-up on the palate, where big, rubbery tannins carry full-sized cherry and plum flavors. Finishes with grab and at least two waves of flavor and power. Drink through 2007. Imported by Vinum International. — M.S. (10/1/2005)

points

Scala Dei 2003 Cartoixa Red (Priorat)

Price $36

Scala Dei seems to have managed 2003’s tough conditions, and this is endowed with sweet Garnacha-driven aromas that touch up against raisiny but don’t cross the line. The palate is plump and loaded with strawberry and vanilla flavors, then chocolate shows up on the finish. The blend is 41% Garnacha, 41% Syrah and 18% Cab Sauvignon. — M.S. (8/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Designations

Cartoixa Cartoixa Reserva La Conreria Negre Prior Prior Criança

Most Reviewed Varietals

Garnacha Grenache Red Blend

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

(Sponsored)