2015 Dona Maria Grande Reserva Portugal Red

2015 Dona Maria Grande Reserva

95 RP

Featured Review

The 2015 Grande Reserva is a blend of 50% Alicante Bouschet old vines (80+ years old and grown at 450 meters in altitude), 20% Syrah, 20% Petit Verdot and 10% Touriga Nacional, all aged for 12 months in new French oak and another 18 months with cement. It comes in at 14.7% alcohol. This is stunning. Pointed, precise and tightly wound, it finishes with a bang, gripping and intense, both in structure and flavor. The tannins are not too hard, though. It started slowly and gathered steam, steadily improving with air. The flavor medley is complex, showing off rare beef and a hint of game. From the mid-palate finesse to the exceptional structure and precision, complexity and big finish, this might well be the best Grande Reserva the winery has made. It could use a couple of years in the cellar. It should improve more. It should also last at least another 15 years, maybe more. I won't be surprised if, when it settles in, it shows better than it does today. For the quality, it is also a fine value. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker | 95 RP

Fully mature, its rich tannins offer a fine structural element for the powerful, dark black fruits. This is a serious wine that shows a strong sense of minerality, ripe smokiness and a tarry, perfumed aftertaste. Here is an impressive wine, ready to drink now.

Wine Enthusiast | 94 WE

This is a meaty red, with flavors of sunbaked cherry and raspberry marked with accents of chorizo, olive and spice. Fleshy tannins give nice support, with savory spice and herb details rounding out the finish. Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Touriga Nacional. Drink now through 2028. 4,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 91 WS

Type of Wine	Portugal Red
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Portugal : Viticulture has existed on the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern day Spain and Portugal) for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2000 BC. The country of Portugal, with its 250 native grape varieties, has a long and colorful history of viticulture and is renowned for its production of the world-famous fortified wines of Port and Madeira. Beyond these rich and intriguing styles, the country has become diversified, and is now being recognized for its refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, sparkling wines from Obidos and the warm reds from Douro and Dao. In the past few decades, Portugal has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in terms of viticulture and is becoming increasingly popular for its many wine styles. Portugal may not compare to neighboring Spain’s production rate, but in terms of quality, it can do more than hold a candle. Portugal’s production of Port is, without a doubt, its fame to claim and has brought global recognition; however Its recent renaissance and its incredible array of wine styles has helped to only bring more attention to the country’s wine industry. Its annual production of 600 million liters of wine from its 195,000 hectares under vine is an incredible feat for one of the smaller wine producing countries. Many of the key grape varieties cultivated in Portugal are considered native. Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Baga and Tinta Roriz lead the way and are the most popular and important grapes grown. Portugal’s temperate, predominately maritime climate and portfolio of terroirs is greatly conducive to vinification. Its many mountains, river valleys and limestone-rich coastal hills allows for a rich and diverse range of soils. The Atlantic influences the growing season which sees high levels of rainfall allowing for high yields. This can also be a detriment and an increased risk of fungal diseases. Coastal region winegrowers has have worked diligently to cultivated ventilated sites as well as high trellising methods to keep the grapes from developing bunch rot. The international wine market is becoming more cognizant of the many great wines coming from Portugal, from the reds of Douro and Dao to the red, white and rose from Vinho Verde, sparkling renditions from native varietals to the unprecedented and world-famous Port wines. International varieties (most of French origins) such as Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Portuguese soil. Despite the arrival of these varieties making a splash, and intrigue, Portugal’s long tradition of winemaking in the region has allowed winemakers to maintain a certain uniqueness in their wines. The Old Word nation of Portugal commands global respect and recognition for its many accomplishments and contributions to the world of wine.
Region	Portugal : This gorgeous region has been greatly underestimated in the past. Its natural virtues are now being transformed, enhanced and reinforced as Portugal undergoes a real winemaking revolution. Previously only known for Port, Madeira and the still white Vinho Verde, Portugal now offers a serious milieu of predominantly red, incredibly rich, dry, table wines from Dao and Douro. While the country doesn't have a terroir as diverse as some other regions, it is still vast and nuanced between the sandy, hilly coasts, mountains, and rich river valleys. Lots of rain in this maritime climate irrigates the abundant vintages that have to be protected from illness and rot, which seems to be no problem for Portugal, especially in recent years. The ambiance is perfect for some interesting native grapes that distinguish the region from the rest of the world. If you come across a superb Portuguese wine, read the label and don't see a single familiar word, this is why. Touriga Nacional is perhaps the most used grape in these red wines, featuring exquisite details of leather, delicate florals and spice. Portuguese wines often exhibit fantastic aging potential due to their strong tannic structure. Now is the perfect time to grab a bottle whether you plan to treat yourself immediately or hold for years to come.

Producer	Dona Maria

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2015 Dona Maria Grande Reserva

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