Casa Ermelinda 2019 Monte da Baia Tinto 750ml

Fourth generation winemakers in the region of Palmela created this blend of Castelao, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. The wine was aged for four months in American and French oak and exhibits aromas and flavours of ripe red berries. Concentrated and rich in tannins, this complex dry red is best served with appropriately rustic cuisine.

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The 2016 Monte da Baía red is a roughly equal blend of Syrah, Touriga Nacional and (a little heavy on the) Castelão, unoaked and coming in at 13.5% alcohol. This is a "little" wine in some ways—it isn't meant to age, it doesn't have a lot of power and it is drinking fairly well now. That said, it tastes great, has fine purity of fruit, good concentration for the price level and some complexity as well. There are some beefy nuances to go with the vivid flavors the grape blend produces. Its fresh feel allows the fruit to linger nicely on the palate. Overall, this is a very nice value, but drink it young and a little cool for best results.

-- Mark Squires, Robertparker.com, Dec 20178