In France and Portugal, you’ll find Alicante Bouschet. But few other countries make it. So to find a stand-alone bottling from the Symington family (best know for their Ports), my interest was piqued. Soft tannins and mild acidity give way to blackberry, blueberry, ripe black cherry, a hint of huckleberry jam, and back notes of sage, wildflower and rose water. Unique unto itself, this is definitely a wine worth seeking out, if for no other reason than you won’t find this grape bottled very often. It was aged for 14 months in older French oak barrels – a smart move that allows the fruit to shine while the oak provides structure, but is not in the way. ORIGIN: Alentejo, Portugal. ALCOHOL: 14.

Grade: 
A
Score: 
92
Vintage: 
2018
Current Price: 
$43.00USD