“The 2011 Estremus (a reference to the prestigious Estremoz sub-region of Alentejo where the winery is located) is a 50/50 blend of Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira, two signature grapes of the region, aged for 12 months in new French oak. It was all sourced from a small parcel of the São Lazaro vineyard with marble soils (not schist, as with the more familiar Borba Reserva). This trophy red has been seen before but it is well worth a checkup, considering how well it is showing before. The first taste of this was a little disappointing as it showed no particular concentration. Then it expanded in the glass and filled the mouth, always showing power and grip. It tightened nicely and waves of dark flavors, beef and olives, kicked in. The mid-palate still has a certain elegance and finesse even as it becomes increasingly dense as it sits. This complex wine is intriguing and impressive. It should age even better than originally thought, perhaps even more than the current estimate.”