I have made previous comments concerning the surge of red wines from the Alentejo region of Portugal leaving the Douro somewhat behind. In the 27May2023 LCBO Vintages release catalogue of the Portuguese reds 3 are from Alentejo and 1 from the Douro. The Herdade do Sobroso is a blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Aged 6 months in French oak then another three months in American oak. I have yet to see any Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon in Douro reds. Making an analogy to the “Super Tuscans” is it time to start thinking about Super Douro’s?
Aroma: packed with black fruit particularly black cherry but there is also some blueberry and cranberry with some light vanilla overtones.
Palate: Reticent tannins despite the fact this is a full-bodied wine with some heft. Blueberry pie and black cherry rule the roost here. Moderately long finish.
Food match: When I was in Porto for Wine and Travel Week in late February at a four-star hotel, Pestana Douro Riverside Hotel, I kept on asking for mains of which they were “out of”. In fact on my fourth try I discovered the only food they had was duck which is quite popular in the Douro so that is what I had and although a big portion by Canadian standards it was “tough”. This experience was one you would not expect from a Pestana Hotel. This wine would have suited “tough duck”.
Cellarbility: It will hold until the end of 2024 but will only marginally improve.
Personality: No flaws in me for sure. Reliable, dependable and that sums up today’s modern Alentejano wines.
Price: $18.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100.
(Herdade do Sobroso 2020, D.O.C. Alentejano, Sociedade Agro-Pec Herdade do Sobroso, Vidicueira, Portugal, 750 mL, 14%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 306563).
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