2006Tavares2006 Terras de Tavares, Quinta da Boavista, Dao DOC, Portugal.
Here’s a exciting discovery from Portugal, an estate crafted red from the Dao region made in an artisan style with pretty detail, mature character and real depth. Imported by a small importer, Bliss Wine Imports, the Terras de Tavares is a tiny production offering of barrel selected wine, and the 2006 is the current release, it is a cuvee of 50% Jaen and 50% Touriga Nacional vinified using native yeasts and aged in neutral oak, then rested for an extended period in bottle, everything done to highlight finesse and elegance, while still giving a sense of place. The Jaen grape is also known as Mencia, as found in the cooler Ribeira Sacra and Bierzo regions of northwestern Spain, but has been native here for generations, it adds lots of charm and life to the wine, and the Touriga Nacional gives richness and a dark core of fruit. The 2006 Terras de Tavares starts with a lush fruit and floral bouquet that evolves into a a heady mix and a certain spicy quality emerges with air leading to a smooth polished sweet tannin framed palate of black raspberry, plum and morello cherry with hints of brambly boysenberry, fig, creme de cassis and wild strawberry. There is surprising life, vitality and brightness to be found and the mouth feel is never flabby or heavy, while still almost full bodied and ripe in flavors, this is interesting and poised wine that is anything other than average and it picks up subtle wood cedar notes, lavender/red spice and dry stone/mineral notes that lift the complexity and carry on to the sweet and savory finish. There is plenty of vibrancy and focus to cheer about, this is very impressive and a well judged wine of quality and is very compelling, drink over the next 3 to 5 years, it looks to be at it’s best, no waiting required, fun and unique stuff no question, you should look for it.
($32 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

By admin