NV Howard's Folly Edicao Limitada 6033
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Tasting notes
The NV Edição Limitada 6033 "Howard's Folly" is a blend of three vintages (2010, 2011 and 2012--the "20s" adding up to 60 and the 10, 11 and 12 adding up to the 33; hence, the "6033" in the name). It is an equal blend of Syrah (used French oak), Alicante Bouschet (used American oak) and Aragonez (new French oak). It comes in at 15% alcohol. Adding a bit of concentration to the 2011 Reserva (also reviewed), this also gains the edge in complexity of flavor, although not in freshness. This leans more to richness. Sweet-edged on opening, with tightness on the finish, this still demonstrates both finesse and balance, as well as that intensity of flavor. It continues to tighten with air as the sweeter nuances dissolve into a complex medley of flavors on the finish. In particular, the Syrah fights with the Alicante. It's a mash-up of blueberries and stewed beef. It often seems very ripe. It will be interesting to see if it holds its balance as it ages, but note that it improved very dramatically with 60 to 90 minutes of air. It became a very different and far superior wine. That seems to be a good sign. There were just 400 magnums produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Mark Squires
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The NV Edição Limitada 6033 "Howard's Folly" is a blend of three vintages (2010, 2011 and 2012--the "20s" adding up to 60 and the 10, 11 and 12 adding up to the 33; hence, the "6033" in the name). It is an equal blend of Syrah (used French oak), Alicante Bouschet (used American oak) and Aragonez (new French oak). It comes in at 15% alcohol. Adding a bit of concentration to the 2011 Reserva (also reviewed), this also gains the edge in complexity of flavor, although not in freshness. This leans more to richness. Sweet-edged on opening, with tightness on the finish, this still demonstrates both finesse and balance, as well as that intensity of flavor. It continues to tighten with air as the sweeter nuances dissolve into a complex medley of flavors on the finish. In particular, the Syrah fights with the Alicante. It's a mash-up of blueberries and stewed beef. It often seems very ripe. It will be interesting to see if it holds its balance as it ages, but note that it improved very dramatically with 60 to 90 minutes of air. It became a very different and far superior wine. That seems to be a good sign. There were just 400 magnums produced. Mar 2016, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2016-2032
This is a delicious and rich red that gives you a decadent and opulent flavor of blueberries, tar, cedar and nuts. Full body and very soft and velvety tannins. A whimsical blend of three vintages: 2010, 2011 and 2012. Jan 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
About the producer
A joint project from British entrepreneur Howard Bilton and Australian winemaker David Baverstock, Howard’s Folly is a boutique wine producer in the Alentejo. Working with old vines and indigenous grapes largely in the cooler Portalegre, they craft fresh and modern expressions of the region.