Founded in 1999, Laurona is a joint venture between Christopher Cannan, owner of Europvin, and René Barbier of the famous Clos Mogador estate in Priorat. It was the first – and remains the leading – pricate winery in the region dedicated to the production of high quality wines from the superbly situated vineyards that surround the now famous Priorat appellation. The potential here was recognised shortly afterwards with the creation of a new D.O Montsant, covering the villages around Falset and at the foot of the imposing Monstant mountain.

The 2002 6 Vinyes de Laurona, a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 10% Merlot, is purple in color with a heady nose of minerals, blue fruits, and licorice. This full-bodied effort comes off as slightly dilute on the mid-palate and a bit thin on the finish, perhaps as a result of a difficult vintage. Nevertheless, it is a very fine effort for drinking over the next 6 years. Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007 Jay Miller 90 Drink 2007 - 2013

The wines are made from the various varieties planted in the area, mainly old vine Grenache and Carignan, plus newer plantings of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageging of the ‘regular’ Laurona is in 500 litre oak casks, a large proportion of which is new. The Seleccio de 6 Vinyes is actually micro-fermented in the oak casks, adding to the complexity of the wine. The origin of the name Laurona dates back to Roman times when Pliny the Elder mentioned only one single vineyard of distinction from Tarragona called Laurona. It was quoted by him as being of very high quality. Now in the 21st Century, Christopher and René are making every attempt to revive the excellent reputation enjoyed by Laurona some 2000 years ago.