Gloriously musty and drrrrty in the nose on opening, a sort of maraschino ripeness touching edges of acidity and tannic splendor as one would expect. Plum and rich raspberry fill the bouquet, shards of minerality bringing an old-world quotient to the forefront. Rich garnet in the glass, going deep maroon at depths while still maintaining thin beauty throughout. A certain lollipop merit graces the nose, but deep and sullen upon careful reflection.
Thin and grating across the palate, with fruit a nearly non-existant property. It’s rash and bitter–but not in a bad way–it’s just composure and balance seem to be fleeting glimpses where *yumminess* could be an expectant stuffer and it never materializes. It all feels warm and rotund in rather fruitless under-pinnings. I love structure, but here we have a seriously-geeky wine going on 7 with vapid areas glowing. Fading like a Merlot-based cru-bourgeois of like age, it’s lovely to drink but stellar accolades will not happen. Still, the Portuguese flavor comes across strong, and the varieties incorporated can not be asked to perform higher. Completely drinkable and ridiculously enjoyable, just know what you’re getting in to.
2016 FILIPA de LENCASTRE Douro DOC Red Wine 12.5
Stephen McConnell 