The Dona Maria (Júlio Bastos) Grande Reserva 2013 is a blend of Alicante Bouchet, Petit Verdot, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. It’s foot trodden in marble “lagares” (like vintage Port) to start fermentation and then aged one year in French oak. This is a serious red that punches above its price point.

This is a terrific red Portuguese wine that is big, smooth, and complex all at once. There are notes of black fruit, cocoa nibs, violets, stems, and mahogany. It’s full-bodied and fruity without being over the top. A slightly longer finish would push this to epic levels. That being said, it’s a beautiful wine and something to bring to your friends who insist they “only drink Cabernet.”

It looks like we need to head to Alentejo sooner rather than later.

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4.4/5 (You can find out more about our scoring system on the WINE RATING page.)

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