Assuming you have a sense of humour and some knowledge of wine perhaps you chuckle when reading “Reserve”, “Private Reserve”, “Private Selection”, “Estate” or “Stomped with Clean Feet”?
Most often these terms are pure marketing with no true significance, but I venture to say they sucker many a buyer in with their tinge of importance and exclusivity.
Having tasted wines in both the Dão and the Douro in Portugal which is the superior wine region? Let’s say celebrate their difference and end there.
In this 2022 Prunus 80% Jaen (Mencia in Bierzo region of Spain), 10% Tinta Roriz, 5% Alfrochiero and 5% other.
It spent 6 months in used French oak then another six months in the bottle.
Aroma: Strong notes of raspberry, blackberry and milk chocolate. Secondary notes of strawberry jam and lavender.
Palate: Moderate but grippy tannins. Raspberry, strawberry and cassis with s short peppery finish.
Cellarbility: Will endure to 2027-year end but beyond that caveat emptor.
Food Match: The label states delicious with pork and poultry dishes. Not helpful. There are so many variations on poultry and pork dishes this food matching suggestion is useless. I would suggest rare grilled beef or beer can chicken!
Price: $17 CDN.
RKS Portuguese Wine Rating: 89/100. Wine Align 87.
Prunus 2022 Private Selection, Dão DOC, Gota Wine, Portugal, 750 mL, 13%.
