Adega de Borba, Grande Reserva Vinho Tinto 2011, Alentejo DOC, Portugal

Tasting Note: A pucker-worthy, red cherry and black plum wine.

Deep-intensity ruby in color this wine has a nose of black plum, red plum and clove baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied red blend delivers flavors suggested on the nose with ripe, velvety, medium-plus tannin and black, under ripe fruit and medium-plus acidity.

The red cherry fruit flavors predominate in the wine which has mid-palate complexity and balance between the fruit and acidity.

Bottle Note: The outstanding quality of the 2011 grape harvest allows the Adega de Borba to produce a limited-edition cork label “Grande Reserva” wine. This wine is made from grapes grown in the oldest vines in the Borba region, and includes the two varieties that define Borba wines: Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet. The cork label “Grande Reserva” wine has a garnet color with hints of red and a fine aromatic intensity, with emphasis on blackberries, chocolate, tobacco, and toast. On the palate the wine is fresh and soft with notes of black fruit and spices, which highlight the development.