Esporão Reserva Tinto 2018 – DOC Alentejo – Magnum 1.5L – Original Box

Esporão Reserva 2018 is one of the landmark wines of Herdade do Esporão and an important modern classic of Portugal’s Alentejo. Esporão Reserva has particular historical significance: the first vintage was 1985, and the estate describes it as the first wine made by Esporão. One of its signatures is the use of original artwork on each vintage’s label. The artwork for 2018 is by Dutch artist Anne Geene, whose work uses elements of nature and botanical observation. The 2018 is based on traditional Alentejo varieties including Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the precise blend varying with the vintage. The wine underwent maturation in American and French oak followed by further bottle ageing before release. The style is rich but balanced: ripe black and red fruit, spice, cocoa and subtle toasted oak, backed by structured tannins and the freshness necessary for bottle development. Your 1.5L Magnum is particularly attractive for ageing. The slower evolution associated with the larger format, combined with six additional years of bottle age since the vintage and the original Esporão box, makes this substantially more interesting for Bottles than a current 750ml Esporão Reserva.