Vila de Rei Reserva 2016

Like your reds on the big, rich, and seriously sumptuous side? You may want to read on …

We’ll start by saying: “Portugal is arguably the most exciting wine place on the planet today.” Wine Spectator wrote it, but it’s a sentiment echoed by many savvy wine lovers, including our own expert on the ground, Jehan.

The proof to back up such a claim? On his last excursion there, Jehan visited our old friend Nuno Cancela de Aberu—mastermind behind some of our best-selling reds from Portugal. He promptly pulled out a bottle, poured Jehan a glass, and began:

“At the end of the 19th century, my great-grandfather, João Tavares Festas, hosted our last king, Dom Manuel II, at his lovely riverside estate. I used to play there as a child! … Well, the king’s royal advice was to plant vineyards, as he saw how much value there could be in such ventures. And my great-grandfather heeded his counsel. This wine you are drinking comes from the very spot where he first planted his vineyards and it is my family’s pride and joy.”

As if the cool story weren’t enough to hook Jehan, the wine DELIVERS in the glass, offering up intensely concentrated black fruits like plums and currants, edged with a nuanced hint of black olive and violets. Aging in (very) expensive French oak barrels gives depth and mellow spice. Despite its richness, the wine also brings a lovely, lifted freshness in the glass – and will keep you reaching for more, just as it did for Jehan.

Get in on this now; not very many cases imported.