A recent visit to Esporão in the heart of the Alentejo region of Portugal revealed this new vintage of the Reserva red, and it’s a fine offering as usual. Deep berry liqueur aromas grab you by the nose right away, joined by cassis and spice notes. The palate is bright, showing dry food friendly style featuring deep berry fruit and rich wood tones. It’s somewhat tight at the moment, but rest assured — this is going places. I happened to have a 2010 vintage of this kicking around my cellar that I opened for my tasting group on my return, and it was quite similar in character to the 2021, but in a much calmer, fully resolved state. It took most of the votes in a flight of solid Portuguese counterparts. (Which of course bodes well for the current offering.) It’s a steal at this price. A blend of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez (also known as Tempranillo) and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Esporão, Alentejo Reserva (Portugal) 2021
By Rich Cook