I've had the 1997 and the 1999. As I recall, I thought the 1997 was a little leaner, more elegant; the 1999 more plush, velvety and fruity.
Is my memory playing tricks on me?
If not, which style does the 1998 tend toward?
Any advice appreciated...

It's been a no-return race since the 97, now everything tends toward the plush chocolateyness of the 98, the 2000 is out there as well but I haven't tried it yet.

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Free Winona!

Gastro -- so would you say the '98 was a buy at about $20/btl?
Do you know if it was ever reviewed by WS or WA or IWC? I'd like to read a tasting note on it... Thanks!

Funny that you ask - I just picked up a Magnum (of the 99) for $49. Haven't had one yet...but considering the vintage and the pedegree of the producer I can't imagine that I will regret it. I attended Steve Olson's Priorato/Montsant tasting this last weekend at the DC Wine festival. The 99 Les Terrasso was to be tasted but had been substituted for a 2000 Ivaque Vall Por (may not be spelled correctly). Overall the tasting was outstanding and Olson was a quite enthusiatic and enjoyable host. I was so entused by the wines that I picked up several yesterday. I promiss to post some notes shortly (they are a mess - could hardly write fast enough & missed quite a bit). Basically I enjoyed every wine - though most were on the young side - but all drank well (particularly with the cheese & cracker accompanyment - almost necessary...lots of tannins!). The "star"! IMHO - though much do to with its age I think - was the '95 Clos Mogador...even still it drank very young and could use...well...years...the '99 Miserre was quite impressive as well...but no bad wines IMO...

Bottomfisher,

Here's my review of the 1998 Les Terrasses:

Winery: Alvaro Palacios
Wine: Priorat Les Terrasses 1998
Score: 89
Price: $30
Country: Spain
Region: Spain
Issue: Nov 15, 2000
Crushed blackberries. This lush red is soft yet rich, with luscious blackberry and plum flavors, accented by chocolate. The tannins are round, yet unobtrusive. Not profound, but irresistible. Drink now through 2003. 15,000 cases made. (TM)

It's fetching already 19€ here (in the Canaries, that is) so it's a pretty good buy (cf. TM's quote of $30). TM has consistently rated the 1996-1999 between 89 (96,98) & 90 (97,99) so how's that for reliability? (and it's all from bought fruit)

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Free Winona!

Thomas - I can fully see why you would call one of these Priorato's "irresistable"...at the tasting this last weekend I found them full of nuances and just delightful - very exiting - with some being very complex and others more strightforward...still I like that they are blends such as the S Rhone wines - such variation around a similar theme. I suspect that the Les Terrasses will be something akin to a Guigal CDP but for Priorato...with a nice smooth, blended feel...

Thomas -- Thanks for the notes. Very helpful -- I'll pick up a bottle today for this weekend!