Quinta da Fonte Souto 2018 Alicante Bouschet

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

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.

2019 Herdade do Rocim Vinho Regional Alicante Bouschet, Portugal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$26.00USD

100% Aicante Bouschet raised in 300L French oak barrels.  Purple in color, garnet at the rim, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black raspberries, spice and slight earthiness,  Firm tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, more like black cherries with underlying char.  Depth if tight.  Long finish,  Some warmth,  This needs some cellaring or air but is still delicious,  Drink over the next ten to twelve years although the winemaker told me 15 years plus!  This would go nicely with Korean BBQ short ribs or other food off the grill,  

2019 Murat Akyuva #2, Turkey, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is a sample from a winery that is not yet in commercial production.  It is 65% Öküzgözü and 35% Alicante.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is interesting with black cherries and pomegranate.  Medium tannins, yet a soft texture.  On the palate, cherries and black cherries.  Clean.  This drinks easy but lacks a bit of structure.  No idea on the barrel regimen but perhaps some new oak would be a good thing.  The fruit seems pure and it is delicious.  It seems like it should drink well for the next seven to ten years.  

2019 Murat Akyuva #1, Turkey, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

This is a project of a developing winery, not yet in commercial production.  It is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Alicante from Turkey.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cassis, pine, and black cherries.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, tart cherries.  Nice acidity.  It is somewhat a trade off in getting the Cabernet ripe without losing the acidity, but in this case a touch more ripeness would have been better.  Still, it drinks easy for a first effort.  The Alicante does seem to add some plushness to the wine.  It will work better with food.  It is

2018 Carmim Monsaraz Tinto Reserva, Portugal, Alentejo, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$16.00USD

This a delicious blend from Portugal made up of Alicante Bouschet (60%),Trincadeira (20%), and Touriga Nacional (20%).  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, plums and slight black licorice.  A rich, velvety texture.  Firm tannins at the moment.  Black raspberries and also an interesting quality that has the taste of black raspberry seeds.  Long finish.  This may yet improve for the next five to seven years and should drink well for another five to seven after that.  This will work well with venison but also just a (veggie) burger off the grill.  An excellen

2017 Cruse Wine Company Monkey Jacket, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$25.00USD

This is a hodgepodge of grapes made in a "natural wine" style.  Twenty-five percent Alicante Bouschet, Grenache, Cinsault, Mondeuse, and Zinfandel from one source; another 25% Valdiguié; and the rest Syrah, Tannat, St. Laurent, and Carignan made from vineyards across California.  This was being closed out at a local wine store for $20.  Ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose has a sweaty sock quality to it.  Once you get past that, there are some cherries and pomegranate notes.

2014 Herdade do Esporão Esporão Reserva, Portugal, Alentejo, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This is a blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Cabernet.  Purple /ruby in color.  The nose is warm with black raspberries, raisins, dust and spice.  On the palate, this seems a bit cooler.  Cherries with dry earth.  Its a big fruity wine.  Some warmth on the finish.  There is some complexity here and light tannins.  It will take heartier foods.  These are pretty unique grapes so its not clear how well this ages.  Probably best to drink the next five years.  Still, for around $20, this is a nice value.