I've rarely encountered great wines from Portugal, especially the (dry) reds. This one was no different. While not a bad wine, this blend was rather non-descript. Stray notes of earth and wild berries were present, but were overpowered by tannins. These did smooth out after a couple of days but the wine just seemed off balance to me. A field blend of indigenous varieties (I was not able to find the exact grapes used). 1/19/22.
I've rarely encountered great wines from Portugal, especially the (dry) reds. This one was no different. While not a bad wine, this blend was rather non-descript. Stray notes of earth and wild berries were present, but were overpowered by tannins. These did smooth out after a couple of days but the wine just seemed off balance to me. A field blend of indigenous varieties (I was not able to find the exact grapes used). 1/19/22.
Jan 9th, 2022
This is a one-dimensional wine. Chocolate and earth notes on the nose, but a big blast of tannic astringency on the front ruined whatever hopes I had. I can’t detect any fruit on the front of the palate, but maybe the tannins overwhelm the subtleties of fruit. And, instead of dissipating, this tannic sour ball reaches of crescendo of astringent high notes at the mid pallet. A slightly mineral finish helps to balance out the rawness. But it’s a short finish. Not enough to redeem this wine.
This is a one-dimensional wine. Chocolate and earth notes on the nose, but a big blast of tannic astringency on the front ruined whatever hopes I had. I can’t detect any fruit on the front of the palate, but maybe the tannins overwhelm the subtleties of fruit. And, instead of dissipating, this tannic sour ball reaches of crescendo of astringent high notes at the mid pallet. A slightly mineral finish helps to balance out the rawness. But it’s a short finish. Not enough to redeem this wine.
Apr 17th, 2020
Douro, Portugal
