Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Tinta Roriz comes in at 14.6% alcohol. I haven't tasted this for a few years. Since then, it has opened and become more expressive, but it remains intense, with a fair share of tannic pop on the finish. Happily, though, it is far more approachable now. Still, this may lack a bit of the typical finesse of the region, and the oak overlay is still a bit too strong. It remains tightly wound, with the potential to improve with more cellar time. I was less sure about the balance early on, but this is definitely entitled to an extension of its drinking window. It may merit an uptick in score, too—if it can hold its balance as it ages. There were 4,666 bottles produced.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
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.