Cortes de Cima Tinto, 2017

STORY BEHIND THIS WINE

Cortes de Cima is one of those wineries whose back story is equally enthralling as their wines. Established in 1988 by a Danish-American couple, Hans and Carrie Jorgensen,who came across this "off-the-beaten-track" area Vidigueira in Alentejano whilst sailing. Here they decided to set-up family roots and a brand new enterprise Cortes de Cima. The area was known for producing white wine to a large extent, the Jorgensen's realised the potential for the Rhone grape Syrah, and so planted it along with other native gapre varietals. Their first vintage was in 1998, and they've never looked back since.

OUR IMPRESSION

Deep bright crimson. If I had tasted this blind, I would have thought the Syrah percentage was higher because there is such a strong savoury and smoky character but perhaps this comes from the amphorae. Deliciously juicy but still with that finely dry texture you tend to get with clay. Plenty of spice and terrific fruit purity and freshness. Very persistent. Utterly drinkable now but no rush to drink this vibrant wine. 17/20 Points Jancis Robinson

Aged in clay amphorae 14 Months.