Torres Gran Coronas Mas La Plana 1983 Reserva

Wine: Torres Gran Coronas Mas La Plana 1983 Reserva

Winery: Miguel Torres (Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona)
Appellation / Region: D.O. Penedès
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
ABV: 12.5%

Winemaking
Grapes sourced exclusively from a select single vineyard in Pacs del Penedès. Harvested during the first week of October. Fermentation was conducted in stainless steel vats, followed by an initial aging period of 6 months in new French and American oak barriques. The wine continued its élevage in second and third-use barrels until bottling in November 1985. It rested for a minimum of 6 months in the bottle cellar prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Reddish-ruby hue of medium-high depth, showing more extraction than similar vintages. Brilliant with subtle precipitates (slightly turbid), featuring copper reflections and a mature rim.

 

Nose: Powerful, expressive, and enveloping. It reveals a fragrant bouquet of slightly reduced black fruit, showing a distinct varietal character: blackcurrant, blueberries, and macerated plums, accented by balsamic notes and Mediterranean herbs. Upon aeration, it develops high-quality tertiary aromas of forest floor (sous-bois), humus, and black truffle. Elegant and evolving, it eventually unveils sophisticated notes of cedar, noble wood, pipe tobacco, old leather, mocha, black pepper, and smokiness.

Palate: Defined by a striking acidity and a remarkable concentration of spicy fruit. Deep and pure, it possesses a solid structural backbone that ensures further longevity. It offers layers of spices, cocoa powder, and high-quality bitter nuances with a touch of sweetness. Complex and polished, featuring fine-grained, round, and fatty tannins. This 1983 displays a youthful energy, reminiscent of a wine a decade younger. While slightly behind the legendary 1981, it remains one of the finest expressions of the 1980s.

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 92

 

Historical Context & Vintage Notes

• The Bordeaux Paradigm: The Torres family viewed Bordeaux as the benchmark for fine wine, leading to the 1965-1966 planting of Cabernet Sauvignon at the Mas La Plana estate.
• Legacy: The 1970 vintage famously triumphed over icons like Château Latour and La Mission Haut Brion at the 1979 Gault-Millau Wine Olympics.
• Evolution: In the mid-1980s, the wine transitioned to its current name, Mas La Plana, moving to a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon expression by removing Tempranillo, Cariñena, and Cabernet Franc from the blend.
• The 1983 Vintage: Rated as "Good" (B) by the D.O. Penedès Regulatory Council for both reds and whites.