Lobo e Falcão Reserva 2019

José Lobo de Vasconcelos’ regular Lobo e Falcão is one of our best-selling Portuguese reds. Naturally, when he offered to send his special Reserva release—the flagship red of his historic Quinta do Casal Branco estate—we eagerly accepted.

Named in honor of José’s surname and his family’s history as royal falconers, Lobo e Falcão is crafted with hand-selected parcels of Alicante Bouschet (prized for its rare red flesh, which imparts extra depth and color), Syrah, Touriga Nacional (star Port grape) and Cabernet Sauvignon from José’s low-yielding, old vines. After fermentation in lagares (open stone tanks traditionally used in Port production), the wine spent 12 months in fine French oak barrels.

The result is a complex, well balanced and intensely flavored Reserva—with 90 points and a double-gold medal from Gilbert & Gaillard judges and a Grand Gold from Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Look for perfumed floral aromas mingling with ripe dark fruit and toasty vanilla oak. Rich forest-fruit flavors dominate the succulent, balanced palate. Hints of mocha-spice grace the long, smooth finish. Try it with barbecued meats, tomato- and bean-based stews and other hearty dishes.

The “Wolf and Falcon” may be an unlikely duo in nature, but here they’re proving what savvy wine lovers have known for years: Portugal really is a hot spot for huge flavors and huge value. Don’t miss out on this luxurious taste.