TN: an interesting 100% T Nacional from Estremadura.
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:54 am
(This note was originally posted on Robin Garrs forum).
Many here know of my interest for wines from Portugal and I have a fine selection in my cellar. I am familiar with the blends but a 100% T. Nacional is quite different in my opinion and I am not quite sure how to compare to other blended Portuguese reds.
TN: `01 Touriga Nacional Grand`Arte Estremadura, DFJ Vinhos Portugal.
Short/soaked natural cork, 14% alc, $25 Cdn. Cellared three years, opened and should have decanted? Just a slight trace of sediment. Back label mentions "natural product". There are many commercial styles from DFJ, 40 lines in all I believe. Jamie Goode mentions "middling sort of reputation" on his website. Any how, here goes!
Color. Very different, almost port-like, black center, ruby tinges on the rim. Unusual in my book.
Nose. Lots going on here over 24 hrs. Initially thought quite funky, in fact wondered about TCA? The nose is not port-like, notes mention black cherry, raspberry, smokey, "menthol" from across the table. As it opens, meaty and violets but could not find any "dried rasins" one might associate with TN.
Palate. Initial entry thoughts were dry, tannic, cherry, black fruits, tad vegetal on a short finish. Medium acidity and did not find a lot of finesse here at first but over the evening, some big changes. A much softer finish (especially on day two), wallops of cherry and blackberry coming through. It is still a tad short on the finish but a much more approachable wine 24 hrs later.I did not find this wine port-like at best and wish I had another bottle for further research!
All comments welcome naturally!
Many here know of my interest for wines from Portugal and I have a fine selection in my cellar. I am familiar with the blends but a 100% T. Nacional is quite different in my opinion and I am not quite sure how to compare to other blended Portuguese reds.
TN: `01 Touriga Nacional Grand`Arte Estremadura, DFJ Vinhos Portugal.
Short/soaked natural cork, 14% alc, $25 Cdn. Cellared three years, opened and should have decanted? Just a slight trace of sediment. Back label mentions "natural product". There are many commercial styles from DFJ, 40 lines in all I believe. Jamie Goode mentions "middling sort of reputation" on his website. Any how, here goes!
Color. Very different, almost port-like, black center, ruby tinges on the rim. Unusual in my book.
Nose. Lots going on here over 24 hrs. Initially thought quite funky, in fact wondered about TCA? The nose is not port-like, notes mention black cherry, raspberry, smokey, "menthol" from across the table. As it opens, meaty and violets but could not find any "dried rasins" one might associate with TN.
Palate. Initial entry thoughts were dry, tannic, cherry, black fruits, tad vegetal on a short finish. Medium acidity and did not find a lot of finesse here at first but over the evening, some big changes. A much softer finish (especially on day two), wallops of cherry and blackberry coming through. It is still a tad short on the finish but a much more approachable wine 24 hrs later.I did not find this wine port-like at best and wish I had another bottle for further research!
All comments welcome naturally!