You’re not ready for this wine. You won’t believe it exists. But, like the devil, it believes in you. Yes, that is balsamic and cherries on the nose. Soft acid, dark fruit, dried prunes, and a hint of rosemary-like vegetal greet the front palate. Exquisitely balanced tannins shore up the structure, focusing the flavors. Faint pepper and spice play on the mid palate, reminiscent of the haunting spice of the ubiquitous piri-piri. Cherries and florals form the long finish for this tawny beauty. I’m not the genius that found this wine – thank Nuno Santos of Wine Bar do Castelo for that – but you’re welcome, nonetheless.
- Rating: Impressive
- Name: Montefino 2011
- Winery: Francisco B. Fino, Soc. Agricola, LDA
- Region: Alentejo (non-DO)
- Country: Portugal
- Varietals: Trincadeira 25%, Aragones 25%, Alicante Bouschet 25%, Touriga Nacional 25%
- Price: $?
- Where to Buy: Lisbon
