Esperanca, Red Douro (Portugal) 2003 (Bernard Magrez)

Purple.

High-class toasted oak nose with red and black fruit underneath. Bordeaux influence very obvious. A truffle nuance with air - another suggestion of Amarone .. undoubtedly a vintage contribution.

Seamless, suave, plush entry. Red fruit character (cranberry, raspberry, cherry) is deep and bordering on jam. I keep expecting a structural lashing that never materializes. This is plush throughout, with a light tannic chew that is hardly intrusive. This is packed. Initially it seemed "international" and very well-made, but as it sits, it expands and expresses the real stuff.

Magrez is a Rolland client, an it would be easy to knock this as "technical" wine. But it rocks. Love to see it in 6-8 years.

Day 4 - Now I get an aromatic quality that reminds me of the Rhone and Rioja simultaneously. Interesting, sumptuous action.
A bit candied in the mouth now, not nearly as interesting as Day 1.

$40