Lagar 2010

Lobenberg: Handgelesen und dann im Keller vor der Vinifizierung abgekühlt. Mit den Füßen gepresst in Granit-Wannen, sogen. Lagares, gute portugiesische Tradition. Ausbau zu 75% in einjährigen, zu 25% in zwei- bis dreijährigem Barrique. Warme, dichte Nase, voluminöse Schwarzkirsche aber auch dunkle Waldbeeren. Dazu kommen Kalamata-Oliven und Majoran. Trotz der Wucht auch elegante, sehr mineralische Anklänge. Der Mund zunächst kraftvoll mit viel Druck. Dann aber zunehmend elegante Stilistik. Feine Sauer- und Schwarzkirsche, sogar Nuancen von Johannisbeere kommt jetzt durch. Das Tannin ist sauber geschliffen, die Säure perfekt eingebaut. Im Abgang leichte Fruchtsüße zeigend. Das ist schon eine außergewöhnliche Qualität. Gibt es im Dao neben Alvaro Castros Weinen nicht so häufig. Überraschend stark. 95+/100

-- Parker: The 2010 Reserva Quinta Da Falorca Lagar is revisited this issue for a checkup. Late released, it is a blend of Touriga Nacional (70%), Alfrocheiro (15%) and Tinta Roriz (15%), aged for 18 months in new French oak and then 20 months in tank. When I first saw this, I wasn't impressed. For one thing, it hadn't been in bottle long and it was very hard edged and closed. While the Touriga Nacional red label (also revisited this issue) was very fine, this showed very little. All I got were tannins. Despite the late release, the tannins are still prominent here. This is a powerhouse, simply put. With the extra year in the bottle, though, it is also displaying its beautiful fruit, crisp, silky texture and lingering finish. The oak is a bit prominent, but it is already being pulled in. This shows fine potential now, well on its way to absorbing the tannins and oak. It seems like a different wine than now than when I first saw it. Its power also makes it a very different wine than the sexier Touriga red label also reviewed this issue, but they both have fine potential. Despite the power, you could approach this now with some air or decanting, but you will be better served giving it a few more years in the cellar. 95/100