2008 Pera Manca
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Tasting notes
Their best and oldest (40+ years) plots of Aragonez and Trincadeira. Fermented in big (12,000-litre) oak vats and aged 18 months in 3,000–5,000 litre French oak casks. TA 5.3 g/l, pH 3.7. Mid garnet and looks far more youthful than the 2005, with a touch of brick at the rim. Complex nose of sweet and spicy dark-red fruit, sweet-sour, and an impression of oak in all that spice. There’s a real sweetness here, perhaps partly to do with the alcohol but also the spicy fruit. Like alcoholic fruit cake. Firm but completely smooth tannins. A big, complex wine. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2008 “Pera-manca” Tinto, seen only in Alentejo at the winery, is a blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo) at 60% this year with Trincadeira at 40%. If the 2007 showed remarkable finesse, this is probably even more elegant. It does not have as much depth as the 2007, but its graceful demeanor and succulent crispness will make it an absolute pleasure to drink. Bright and sunny, it is going to be hard to resist. Even if it does not have the depth and concentration of the best earlier vintages, it may substitute pure charm. Note: I was told that there would be no 2009, so stock up. Drink 2013-2028. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155
From sub region Évora. The 'second wine' to Cartuxa. Antão Vaz and Arinto from 30-year-old vineyards. Not much nose but the wine was very cold at the time of tasting. Very firm structure; there is roundness and weight here, golden pears and spice – saffron? Oak, certainly, but deftly used and beginning to integrate and evolve with grace. Thoughtfully made, a sense of restrained ambition and finesse. Persistent on the finish. (TC)