Herdade do Mouchao Vinho Regional Alentejano Tonel 3-4

2008 Herdade do Mouchão Vinho Regional Alentejano Tonel 3-4 Alicante Bouschet, Alentejo, Portugal (14.5%, 4 years in 5,000 litre barrels and 4 years in bottle before release, 6 hours decanting before the initial sip). Alicante Bouschet, which is the result of breeding between Grenache (known as Alicante in southern France) with a teinturier (dye or stain) grape called Petit Bouschet, produces a fruit-forward Shiraz/Zinfandel like drop. Dark, nebulous purple…even a bright light in the background does not change the view…more …

A bit disappointing, particularly given other vintages we have sipped and of course the price. Deep purple on the eye. Initial slap of alcohol was a bit shocking so we placed this little boy in the corner to learn some manners. We returned 2+ hours later to an intense dark fruit spice and herbal blend that remained warm/hot on the nose. Perhaps too young, but overwhelming until circa 4 hours. Palate a touch jammy, intense dark fruits, firm tannins and …