Domingos Alves de Sousa Abandonado 2013

“The 2013 Abandonado is a field blend aged for 18 months in a mixture of new French and Portuguese oak. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Sourced from a plot over 80 years old, this seems like a fine performance in a tricky vintage. Admittedly, its fruit does not show the personality that some other years have had. It is just not as expressive—Abandonado is often rather distinctive. It is still laced with strawberry-tinged herbs on the finish and it is rather tasty. More importantly, it adds a fresh, open feel, avoiding jamminess and overripe fruit. The tannins are moderate. This should still improve with some cellaring, pulling in a bit of oak and moderating the tannins even more while acquiring complexity. Of the winery's three red offerings this issue, this will have its share of picks for #1, given its crisp feel and less obvious oak than the Gaivosa (although I do think the gorgeous Gaivosa is better). They both have a refined style overall. This is a beauty with room to improve, but it is just a bit compact in this difficult year. It still showed fine grip the next day when tasted again, though. It is no slacker. It will be interesting to see how it ages. This may yet become more intriguing. It is an understated Abandonado, but it shows well and you will find yourself wanting another glass.”
www.robertparker.com

Aging Potential : Drink now or keep until 2030

WA 93