Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Jaen was aged in 30% new French oak for 18 months. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Lovely, this is fresh, filled with fruit and nicely supported by the structure too. The velvety texture remains a selling point while it has acquired a little complexity. This is a nice back-to-back performance with the 2012 this issue, but I'd say this is more expressive of the grape as well as better structured. In this big vintage, it also manages to retain some elegance and balance. It will continue aging well for several years, likely more than indicated, but let's take that in stages. The price of this library wine merely reflects the latest release price.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Producing some of the country’s most dignified and mineral-driven red wines, Dão is positioned in north central Portugal where granite mountains surround and shelter the region from any Atlantic maritime influence. Summers are long and warm; winters see abundant rainfall.