AB Alentejo Alicante Bouschet

The high score on this mostly reflects at how well composed this one still is at 13 years of age. Still plenty of primary fruit it is starting to show maturity with deeper complexity. The tannins have started to resolve into medium grain, the acidity is ample and the length is persistent and long. Not super complex but delicious and again another example of why this should be Alentejo's grape like Argentina has Malbec and NZ has Sauvignon Blanc. In other examples, I've had the grape shows good diversity in style with wines of less oak and more acidity.

With an Aussie winemaker at the helm this is very reminiscent of wines from closer to home.
Think Barossa Valley.
American oak, sundrenched fruit, high ABV.

I love the expression of this grape in Alentejo, it is well suited to the dry, hot climate.
Purple flowers, some savory, blue and red fruits, a ripe and fleshy tannin. #esporao

Portugal intro for the night. Really impressive vs all other Cali Wines. Well thought of by the group. Big, dense, blueberries and black fruits. A teeth stainer. Impressive! CB 92+-

2009, ripe and explosive with blackberry, cassis, spice and black plum, juicy and heady.

100% alicante Bouchet

I think Alicante Bouschet might just be on of the best grapes made as a single varietal in the Alentejo region of Potugal and this wine helps prove this again! Black and red fruits, sweet and fairly well integrated oak, with dollops of chocolate, black raspberries and subtle spice. The palate is juicy and full bodied, with really nice length, simply delicious!

French oak, 23 yo vines

Unbelievable. Cigar/tobacco-ey. One of my favorites from Portugal

Wonderful wine, it has a very long lasting after taste, very smooth and elegant in you mouth. Bebida a safra de 2012 com o Luis e o Helder em Albufeira, mas comprado na proeja vinícola do esporão que vale o passeio.