Bodegas Portia, Prima La Encina 2016, Ribera del Duero
In bright deep ruby colour, the wine is with a tight purple rim. On the nose, it is surprisingly elegant red and blueberry fruit, also giving interesting coffee and chocolate nose. Lots of strength; full-bodied.
The nose reflects the same on the palate, which seems to be perfectly oaked even foe now, with ample and fine tannins. The structure is well-balanced. There is a Portugal touch to it and has more offer with 2 to 3 years additional, bottle ageing.
Made from 100 per cent Tempranillo, really Portia Prima is from a single vineyard called ‘Pago de La Encina’, located in the heart of Ribera del Duero appellation. If one is looking for full-bodied with bold and brigjt fruit, as well as high-cost performance, this is the one. Winemaking cost for this wine is relatively high, so the makers are not earning decent as they should have - fel ragical sometimes. The grapes go through malolactic fermentation is already costly; in new French oak barrels, where they are aged for 15 months, would mean an even higher cost before release.
Scores are impressive-Decanter 97 and JS 94.
97 Points & Platinum, Decanter
"Gorgeous spicy black fruit and prune nose. Round, ripe tannins and precise blackberry fruit on the palate with great character and hints of spice box and cedarwood. An outstanding Ribera with large length and persistence."
94 Points, James Suckling
"This delivers all the power of Ribera with some refinement and elegance. Dark plums, blackberries and violets and gently toasty oak that is well integrated and adds clove and chocolate. The palate has effortless depth, and the tannins wrapped neatly around dark plums."
