Reviews & Ratings

2008 Herdade do Esporao Portugal Red "Defesa"

Winery: Herdade do Esporao

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Defesa"

Wine Category: Portugal Red

Grape blend: 50% Touriga Nacional & 50% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Alentejo

State or country: Portugal

Price: $17

Cases produced: 24,500

KWG Score: 90 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: October 3, 2010

Wine Review: This dark ruby colored wine opens with a musty oak bouquet with a hint of black cherry in the background. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, well balanced, really smooth, and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a very tasty red raspberry with notes of old oak, spice, and black pepper. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are quite sticky and linger for quite sometime. This wine is would pair well with short ribs smothered Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce or Fred's spicy candied pecans. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Colour: Intense, deep ruby. Aroma: Fresh and floral violet notes from Touriga Nacional along with red berry fruits, with toasty notes from new French oak barrels. Palate: Combines the dense body of Syrah with the silky texture of Touriga Nacional. Dishes: Best with ham, roast beef and feathered game dishes.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Esporao 2008 Defesa.