| 16.5 / 20 |
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal
Super-Premium white from this worthwhile producer from Évora, Alentejo, this vintage was made from 100% Alvarinho, which has a very different expression here than in the north of Portugal and Spain. According to the producers, the idea is to use the best non-Alentejo grape type for Scala Coeli every year. I believe the 2009 vintage was made from Verdelho.
Light golden in color, the bouquet is a bit austere and subdued at first - some flowers, some tropical fruit and a hint of smoke/toast.
Then, the oakier notes gain some ascendence, but a more mineral streak appears - the first impression was of phosphorus. Elegant and discreet but very poised.
In the mouth, it shows an heavy, full body, obviously marked by oak, although it is very well integrated with the more mineral part. Quite dry in the mouth, with a balanced acidity that lives up to the oak, this is an elegant, structured and somewhat austere wine. Has a long persistence, finishing in a dry note where the mineral side shows itself again, along with a spicier, peppery impression that wraps up the taste in a very interesting way.
I think this still has some room to grow, so I would keep a few bottles for another year or so.
Tasted on 2011-08-08
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