(2021) I liked this wine when it came into Lidl two years ago (in the previous vintage) from the mountainous Dão region whose wines always display good freshness. A blend of Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional, aged in barrel, this is mellow and succulent, briar, cherry and savoury Asian plum on the nose, the palate is medium-bodied with a tangy red berry freshness, but the sweetness of the fruit at its core builds, the tannins almost imperceptible, and a twist of bittersweet cherry tang in the finish. Not one to lay down I suspect, but drinking really very nicely.
(2019) The mountainous inland region of Dão produces some great wines in northern Portugal, including this excellent blend of 40% Aragonez (tempranillo), with 30% each of Alfrocheiro and Touriga Nacional. Oak aged, this has a sumptuous and very inviting nose, filled with tobacco spice and dark berry fruits, there's a hint of cocoa and of a lighter, raspberry or even floral character. In the mouth the fruit really punches through, ripe, creamy and sweet, the gentle, background tannins and acidity together with that vanilla and tobacco spice linger in the finish. A great little buy in Lidl's spring 2019 'wine tour' which kicked off on 28th March. Note however, reports have reached me on 30th March of several stores being sold out of this wine.
(2011) A sumptuous blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro aged 12 months in oak, this is deep and vivid on the nose, but little notes of kirsch and herbs lift above the plum and smoky notes. On the palate it is generous and has plenty of fruit that fills the mouth, the oak adds a warming coffee and spice, but there is good freshness here with tight tannins and good acidity.
(2006) No oak, Aragones, Touriga Nacional. Much riper, sweeter fruit on the nose, with lots of blackcurrant and quite fat, sweet berry fruit that has a plushness and almost minty quality. On the palate plenty of freshness, but a ripe, full, very delicious fruit quality, with a nice bittersweet plumskin edge and a delicious, supple tannin quality. Superb.
