La Conreria d’Scala Dei, Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) “Les Brugueres” 2009

($30, Eric Solomon Selections): Priorat is known for its great red wines.  But distinctive whites can be made there, just as in other great red wine areas, such as the Côtes de Nuits and Pessac-Léognan.  Made entirely from Garnacha Blanca, it leads with a gorgeous floral–almost peachy–nose followed by an engaging earthiness and bracing minerality, all amplified by vibrant acidity.  Long and full-bodied, it retains grace and balance. 92 Michael Apstein Apr 13, 2010