Dry wines play as important a role in the Douro Valley these days as the great fortified wines that originally made the region famous. Given the quality of wines that can be produced at a competitive price, it should be no surprise.
Although Esporao’s base is in the south of Portugal, it has a presence in the Douro Valley in the form of Quinta dos Murcas. ‘Assobio’, a blend of varieties based on Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) showcaases the region to a tee.
2011 was an exceptional vintage in the Douro Valley, so good that it was widely declared. The dry wines also deliver. The 2011 vintage rendition of Esporao has excellent fruit intensity and good structure matched by ripe but savoury black fruits. It should develop in bottle, gaining complexity, for several years.
2011 ESPORAO QUINTA DOS MURCAS ‘ASSOBIO’ Producer: Esporao
Variety: Tempranilo et al
Vintage: 2011
Region: Douro Valley, Portugal
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $35.00
Date tasted: 3 October 2015
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Brooding nose of dark cherry, blackberry, star anise, oak char. Dry, medium bodied, excellent fruit intensity – real drive. Black fruit shrouded by a cloak of fine powdery tannin. Savoury on the mid-palate. Should improve in bottle over 5-6 years.
Score: 16.5/20
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