2023 Alvaro Palacios Les Aubaguetes

about the Álvaro Palacios winery

Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most respected winemakers. Since the late 1980s, he has been working in Priorat to create wines that combine power and finesse. His vision is clear: wines should reflect the character of their vineyards. Les Aubaguetes is one of his most prestigious creations, awarded a "Vinya Classificada," the highest classification in the region. Along with oenologist Oriol Castells and viticulturist Roger Pallarés, Palacios manages his vineyards entirely organically, with a focus on biodiversity and traditional mule farming. His wines reflect not only terroir but also the tranquility and precision of artisanal viticulture.

vineyard and terroir

Located in Bellmunt del Priorat, Les Aubaguetes covers 1.79 hectares of 123-year-old vines. The vineyard is situated on north-facing slopes between 220 and 288 meters in altitude. This cooler location results in a fresh, silky style that distinguishes itself from the warmer terroirs in Gratallops. The soil consists of reddish "llicorella" (slate) with layers of sandstone and minerals such as copper and iron, which contribute to the deep, earthy minerality. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the land is worked exclusively with mules. The yield is extremely low, only 11.17 hectoliters per hectare, which explains the wine's intensity.

grape varieties and harvest

The 2023 Les Aubaguetes vintage is composed of 60% Garnacha, 35% Cariñena, and 5% white grapes (primarily Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo). This blend produces a wine with layers of complexity, tension, and freshness. Harvest took place on September 28 and October 3 and 4, 2023. Due to the exceptionally dry year with less than 250 liters of rain per year, the grapes were small, with concentrated aromas and intense extraction. Only 1,200 bottles were bottled in February 2025, a historically low yield. Due to the rainfall during the harvest, no new Les Aubaguetes will be produced in 2024.

vinification and maturation

The wine fermented with indigenous yeasts in wooden barrels, some containing whole bunches. Maceration lasted 36 days, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The wine then matured for 13 months in oval French oak foudres and another 2 months in cement. It was not fined, chill-stabilized, or filtered. Analysis of this vintage: alcohol 14%, pH 3.59, and total acidity 4.4 g/l. The balance between power and finesse makes the 2023 one of the most harmonious wines in the estate's history.

review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2023 Les Aubaguetes 98 points. Luis Gutiérrez calls it "the most elegant of the wines from 2023" and describes it as "pale, silky, and fresher, with a more delicate profile reflecting a north-facing, more humid environment." He praises the wine for its "serene harmony and the depth of the old vines, fine-boned, elegant, and harmonious." According to Gutiérrez, this is a wine with classic structure, understated power, and a slowly developing character in the bottle. The subtle notes of spicy oak and the tension between freshness and depth make the 2023 a benchmark in the Palacios range. Recommended for drinking from 2026 to 2040.

color, smell and taste

Les Aubaguetes 2023 has a light ruby red color with purple reflections. The nose is refined and complex: red cherry, plum, violets, fresh herbs, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, it is silky, fresh, and precise, with finely woven tannins. The structure is elegant yet intense, supported by ripe acidity. The palate evolves from red fruit to spicy and mineral notes, with subtle hints of wood. The finish is long, balanced, and exceptionally clean.

style and storage potential

The 2023 Les Aubaguetes is a wine of quiet and precision. It combines the power of Priorat with the finesse of Burgundy. Despite its youth, it already displays a rare balance and harmony. The wine matures slowly and will reach its peak between 2030 and 2040. Under ideal conditions, it will age effortlessly for twenty years or more.

Would you like to order Álvaro Palacios wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons . You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Roast pigeon with truffle jus. The elegant tannins and refined texture enhance the dish's spicy character.
• Rack of lamb with thyme, rosemary, and roasted vegetables. The wine reflects the Mediterranean spiciness and remains in balance with the juicy meat.
• Risotto with porcini mushrooms and Parmesan. The creaminess of the risotto complements the soft texture of the wine perfectly.
• Beef stew with dark chocolate and spices. The wine adds freshness and depth to the rich character of the sauce.
• Roasted eggplant with tomato, olive, and basil. The wine maintains tension and purity alongside the savory flavors of the dish.
• Aged Manchego with fig compote and walnut bread. The wine complements the salty and nutty notes of the cheese perfectly.