Esporão, Reserva Red 2016, Alentejo, Portugal

Tasting Note: A Reserva red that shows the beauty of Portuguese blends even if you don’t recognize the names of any of the component grapes.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, pronounced-intensity nose of black plum, blackberry, red currant, rhubarb, strawberry, black cherry and violet blossom.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied red blend has medium-plus-intensity, red-and-black fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a medium-plus finish.

The wine is inky, complex and delicious and a perfect pairing with grilled meats like the New York strip I’m enjoying with it tonight.

Bottle Note: Herdade do Esporão boundaries remain unchanged for more than 750 years. To produce better wines, we farm under the principles of integrated production. Original label art work by Albuquerque Mendes. Aragonez (40%), Alicante Bouschet (30%), Trincadeira (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Matured for 12 months in French and American oak. Portugal.

This wine was submitted for review.