The estate has 32 hectares of vines planted mostly with Alicante Bouschet from their own pioneering cuttings (long-lived, powerful, enchanting wines with an engaging personality and plenty of energy). The farm also grows small quantities ofAragonés, Trincaderia and Moreto, Touriga Nacional and Syrah.

In the vineyards, modern techniques, such as spray irrigation to ensure frost protection, are employed, whilst in the winery traditional techniques are adhered to - the grapes are received in large open lagares where they are hand crushed and delivered down chutes to be foot troden. Production here is small and Iain Richardson, who runs the estate, is unable to meet the majority of orders he receives for his extraordinary wine.

Tasting Note:
Wine Advocate 93 points!
The 2009 Tinto, a typical Alicante Bouschet-Trincadeira blend, is just a preview look from a vertical in Alentejo, but since it seemed to be the best estate red in quite awhile, and easily the best of the recent vintages shown at the time (the 2007 underperforming at the time, but needing to be seen again; and the 2008 nice, but not as interesting), it is well worth a preview. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. With a bit of an herbaceous hint up front, this shows relatively rich fruit for this bottling, big tannins and fine concentration. With a tightly wound air at the moment and velvety texture, this is going to need some time, and it should develop more complexity. It is going to be a relatively sexy Estate Tinto in this winery´s lineup. When it becomes expressive, it should also be beautiful. Drink 2016-2032.

Tasting Note:
Julia Harding 17.5/20 points!
First sold in 1954, a blend of mostly Alicante Bouschet with some Trincadeira. Vinified in lagares and aged in 5,000-litre oak and mahogany vats for 24 months. Very deep garnet. Heady aromas of both red and black fruit and a very attractive almost medicinal, minty character, with bags of fruit sweetness. Then really savoury and complex on the palate, a mix of sweet fruit and savoury meatiness (but not brett). Firm, dry and elegant structure with plenty of freshness and not too much heat from the alcohol. Like dark chocolate that finishes dry and leaves your mouth feeling clean. 2014-2020.

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