TN: 2006 Herdade do Mouchao, Mouchao tinto

[Lindsay E.]

Sweet smelling nose of stewed strawberries, cherries and a sexy ripeness. This Alentejo red has none of the earthiness that I usually find with most reds I've had from the Douro. On the palate this wine feels balanced and it is lighter and more elegant than I would expect based on the nose. Swirling in the mouth really adds weight to the mouthfeel and unlocks both fruit flavors and intense acidity. The acidity has almost a mouth puckering, grapefruit-like intensity that takes over the finish. I don't know if the acidity is just an indication that this wine is still too young to drink or if it suggests that this wine is out of balance. Regardless, I would have a hard time guessing this was from Portugal if I tasted it blind. I would guess this came from southern France. Even with the rampant acidity, I'd still place this wine at 92 points: 94 points or higher if the acidity was more balanced.