Simon J Woolf
MOB is the project of Jorge Moreira (Poeira), Francisco ‘Xito’ Olazabal (Quinta do Vale Meão) and Jorge Serôdio Borges (Wine & Soul). This white blend comes from a vineyard at 500 metres in the Serra da Estrela mountains. Heather and honeysuckle greet you on the nose, together with citrus oils and some subtle herbal notes.
Simon J Woolf
I had to check the map, when Cores de Cima told me “this is an unusual Alentejo blend from vines planted in the sands of the Atlantic”. But indeed the far south-west corner of Alentejo does reach the coast, so I guess that’s where these grapes came from. Alvarinho dominates the blend (67%) and sure
Simon J Woolf
Despite the low alcohol (presumably indicating quite early harvest), this traditionally made talha blend has more harmony than the Rocim Amphora Branco (Rocim is Pedro’s day job, where his wife makes the wines). Here there’s wispy apricot and white peach with a creamy, leesy hint on the finish. Nothing hugely complex here, and not much
Simon J Woolf
Fermented and aged in chestnut barrels, the nose is very herbal and filled with green pepper, orange zest and cacao. Quite rustic, with bracing acidity, enjoyable red fruit and grippy tannins. Jaen’s minty, herbal notes come through loud and clear. This could use another year in bottle to soften and harmonious more.
Simon J Woolf
Really charming on the nose, with raspberries, fresh cherries and violets. But this wine had me fooled. I was expecting it to be super light and tannin- free, and actually it packs a punch on the finish. Jaen is most of the blend (80%), and it provides a lovely sense of that variety’s minty, herbal
Simon J Woolf
From Niepoort’s first certified organic vineyard, this blend has a charming and very typical nose with crushed rocks, earth, violets and red berries. But on the palate it feels slightly foursquare, albeit with nice freshness and well defined fruit. Typically for Niepoort, the oak influence is very light. What’s lacking is a little complexity and
Simon J Woolf
A little strung out on the nose, but with ripe strawberry and plum fruit on the palate. Pretty lively, but lacks harmony and somehow doesn’t quite have the joyfulness that one would want from a rosé.
Simon J Woolf
A grippy, mouth-buckingly dry and tannic Mencia, with quite pronounced vegetal notes. There’s a hint of cacao, and a grassy, herbaceous character. Think young and very early harvested Cabernet Franc. Ultimately, just a bit too green for my taste. One to try again in a year or two.
Simon J Woolf
Initially shy on the nose, with a hint of raspberry and balsamic notes, this soon opens up in the glass. The fruit is so juicy, yet also so flight and floral. Raspberries, strawberries and peaches dominate, but there’s also a crunchy balsamic note that ushers in wispy-fine tannins. Pedro Ribeiro’s talha tinto is a triumph
Simon J Woolf
Rich and chocolately, with some mocha and cacao notes on the nose. Full of ripe plum and blackberry, but with a typical Dão freshness amd crunchy berry fruit. Classic structure and density, with some graphite. Impressive evolution, although the overripe character of the fruit and the low acidity threaten to unbalance things a bit. That