Esporao Private Selection 2016 (750ml) *
Product price
$91.99
Description
Alentejo in southern Portugal builds big, warm-hearted reds, and this Private Selection from Esporão leans into that character with a 2016 blend built around Alicante Bouschet (about 40%), filled out with Aragonez and a smaller share of Touriga Franca. Each grape was raised differently: the Alicante and the Touriga Franca spent eighteen months in new French oak barrels, while the Aragonez rested in large, older French casks that let its fruit stay forward. The result carries some heft, 14.7% alcohol, and makes no secret of its wood.
Expect vanilla around the edges and the clear imprint of new oak, so this is not a wine for those who prefer their reds unadorned. Underneath, though, the fruit holds its own, with the Alicante Bouschet stepping forward through a ripe, full-bodied core and savory tertiary notes of earth, tobacco, and fruitcake. Bitter chocolate and a faint green edge add nuance, and the finish is plush and powerful, its tannins and acidity well knit into the whole. Structured, generous, and genuinely delicious.
Expert Reviews
The 2016 Garrafeira Private Selection is a blend of 40% Alicante Bouschet (from 1996 vines at Herdade dos Perdigões), 35% Aragonez (from Canto do Zé Cruz Vineyard, as planted in 1980) and the rest Touriga Franca (from 2005 vines at Rochedo Vineyard), with different aging practices: the Alicante Bouschet was aged 18 months in new French oak 500-liter barrels, the Aragonez in 5,000-liter used French oak casks and the Touriga Franca in 500-liter new French Oak. It comes in at 14.7% alcohol. This certainly shows off its new wood; there is vanilla around the edges. That said, the grapes handle themselves well too. The Alicante seems to particularly express itself well in the blend. The combination here becomes very appealing, although this will never be for oak-a-phobes. It's tasty and delicious nonetheless, with good structure and some finesse. There were 40,212 bottles produced. This brand will not become organic until the 2019. (Wine Advocate, July 2022)
A rich, full-bodied Alicante Bouschet-led red from three Reguengos parcels of vines and one elevated (400m) Portalegre parcel. Round and ripe, with tertiary, savoury undertones of earth, tobacco and fruitcake. Notes of bitter chocolate and a touch of green add nuance. Powerful and plush, with plenty of mouthfeel, well-integrated tannins and acidity bring balance to the sumptuous finish. (Decanter, June 2023)