Carvalho Ribeiro & Ferreira 1977 Reserva

Wine: Carvalho Ribeiro & Ferreira 1977 Reserva
Winery: Carvalho Ribeiro & Ferreira (Vale do Carregado, Dão)
Appellation / Region: Região Demarcada do Dão
Varietals: Traditional field blend: Alfrocheiro Preto, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Baga, Bastardo, Jaen.
ABV: 12%

Winemaking
Grapes sourced from estate vineyards and local smallholders. Hand-harvested. Co-fermentation of all varietals in concrete vats and old oak tanks (tinos) until the completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine was then racked into seasoned American oak pipas (barrels) of various capacities for a 36-month aging period. Bottled in June 1981. Limited production of 33,094 bottles (75 cl). A minimum of 2 years of bottle aging was completed in the cellar prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-ruby hue of medium depth; somewhat dark yet brilliant. It shows a distinct tawny (tile-red) rim with a marked transition to the meniscus and very fine legs. It bears the visual resemblance of an aged Burgundy.

 

Nose: Powerful and Mediterranean in character. It is dominated by notes of black olives, tapenade, aromatic herbs, black pepper, and paprika, underpinned by a balsamic, almost mentholated background of bay leaf and pebrella (thyme-like herb). Primary fruit is entirely absent. As it breathes, it gains creamy oak nuances reminiscent of pastry cream and cocoa butter.

 

Palate: A slightly rustic and austere red on the palate; bone-dry, medium-bodied, and mature. It reveals chocolatey notes with sweet yet well-defined tannins. A touch of citric acidity, akin to tangerine peel, provides lift and balances the overall power. With aeration, the wine becomes more caramelized, unveiling creamy and balsamic textures. A quintessential old-school red with immense charm.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Score (els12golafres): 88