Dona Maria Grande Reserva 2010
By: Júlio Bastos
Made In: Portugal—Alentejo
Product Type: Red Wine
Bottle Size: 750mL
Alcohol/Vol: 14%
Sugar Content: 9G/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD
VINTAGES#: 0478503
Program Type: Monthly Cellar Features
The 2010 Grande Reserva is a blend of 50% Alicante Bouschet (from 60-year-old Estremoz vines), 25% Syrah and 25% Petit Verdot, aged for one year in new French oak. If you wonder what you get for stepping up from the Amantis Reserva reviewed this issue, that's easy: far more concentration, better structure and far more complexity. With that typically beefy nose (the Alicante in full flight), this a gorgeously focused Tinto that has impeccable balance. The controlled but quite noticeable tannins match the fruit perfectly. It finishes with grip and intensity of flavor, seeming graceful and carefully crafted all the while. This is a gorgeous Grande Reserva that does everything wonderfully well while never becoming obvious or bombastic. Note: this qualified as a Grande Reserva this year and replaced the regular Reserva. It's the same wine. In the past, the winery didn't bother changing the branding, no matter the designation granted. Owner Júlio Bastos said, 'Before, to be Colheita Seleccionada, Reserva or Grande Reserva [wines] had the same requirements at the CVRA, which was really strange ... nowadays there are different demands and requirements.' Score - 94. (Mark Squires, robertparker.com, Oct. 5, 2015)
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices include container deposit fees where applicable. % Alcohol/Volume subject to change without notice.