Zambujeiro Tinto 2005
By: Quinta do Zambujeiro
Made In: Portugal—Alentejo
Product Type: Red Wine
Bottle Size: 750mL
Alcohol/Vol: 15%
Sugar Content: 0G/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD
VINTAGES#: 0084806
Program Type: Online Collection
The 2005 Tinto, the winery's flagship, is a blend of Alicante Bouschet (49%), Touriga Nacional (34%) and Aragonez from 45 year old vines. There was more Alicante than normal in this year, and it contributes a nice, red fruit nuance on the finish. I tasted this after it had been decanted for several hours in June, 2008, and it was still not clear where it was going. Retasting it in the USA gave me a better idea, as a few months more allowed it to come together. It shows fine depth, adding several layers to the Terra reviewed this issue, those lovely red fruit flavors and a lot of power underneath it all. The balance between mid-palate depth and tannin is quite good, the wine having a relatively refined feel despite its considerable underlying power. This is still not quite ready to drink in my view, although it will be soon. I think it is a step behind the '03 and '04, but it is a pretty nice wine in its own right. It will need to continue to evolve positively in the cellar and handle its alcohol well over time. Drink 2010-2017. Score - 92. (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008)
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices include container deposit fees where applicable. % Alcohol/Volume subject to change without notice.