Esporao AB Alicante Bouschet 2015 (750ml)

Esporao AB Alicante Bouschet appears a deep, concentrated red color in the glass. The nose reveals a complex varietal aroma with black plum, dark chocolate, and slight leather notes followed by a palate where the classic tannic structure is complemented by intense fruit and a long, spicy finish.

100% Alicante Bouschet. A red juice grape variety of French origin. Introduced in Alentejo in the 19th century. Produces concentrated, full-bodied wines with good ageing potential.

This wine is the result of the expression of the Alicante Bouschet grape variety from three different origins in a very good vintage year for this grape. It combines the intensity, texture, and concentration of the Reguengos de Monsaraz sub-region with the vitality of the altitude of Portalegre.

Aged for one year in 5000 liters (30% of the batch), and 500 liters (70% of the batch) French oak barrels. Followed by a minimum of two years in the bottle. 

Dark in color and powerfully rich, the wine has a dense texture. The black coffee aroma and the concentration give a massive, impressive wine. Drink now. -R.V.

The 2015 Alicante Bouschet AB was aged for 12 months in new French oak and comes in at 14.9% alcohol. Of the winery's late-released upper-level wines, this is my favorite. It absorbs the wood the best—although this is a long way from a wine that handles its oak perfectly—and it shows brilliant structure, precision and a big finish that still can express the grape. There's a serious backbone, but the tannins are not hard and this drinks pretty well now, thanks to the late release. While oak-a-phobes will want to look away, this is impressive. It should hold for the next decade, maybe more. There were 556 cases produced. Anticipated Maturity: 2022-2032