2019 Howard's Folly Branco Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Reserva Branco is a field blend from old vines with grapes like Arinto, Fernão Pires, Gouveio, Cercial and others, aged in an 80/20 mixture of new French oak and stainless steel for nine months. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol. Showing beautifully, with elegance and length on the finish, this has some hints of complexity, but it is young, fresh and still able to age. Winemaker David Baverstock said it could go 10 years, which may understate the matter. It certainly seems capable of improving more, the nice acidic core lending support.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Mark Squires
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This has a polished nose of white lavender, apricot stones, lemon pith, honey and cedar. Itâs medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and a toasty palate. Lightly bitter oak notes, as well as hints of vanilla. Drink now or hold.
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.