Joao Portugal Ramos Vila Santa Reserva 2016

Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal Wine Advocate 90 points! Joao Portugal Ramos is Portugal"s most famous winemaker. Before he began making his own wines, he was a pioneering wine consultant widely considered Portugal's Pierro Antinori or Emile Peynaud (The New York Times). In 1990, he decided it was time to start creating his own wine and he began planting vineyards in Alentejo around his new winery, Vila Santa. This big red blend of 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Aragonez, 20% Syrah, plus Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon was João Portugal Ramos' first wine. The name means "Holy Village," referring to the nearby ancient city of Estremoz where the famed Miracle of the Roses occurred in the 13th century. "Tightly wound and concentrated, this is beautifully constructed and very serious for a modest price. This should age well and keep improving for a few years, at least."-Mark Squires, Wine Advocate, 90 points! Enjoy Vila Santa Reserva with hunting birds (pheasant, quail, partridge), roasted or grilled meat, cheese, and delicatessen (foie gras, pate, prosciutto).