Hot Damn! 17-year Old Library Release of Portuguese Cult Icon Luis Pato’s Renowned Baga
Posted on: 12/6/18 7:36 PM
The wines from famed patron saint of Baga, Luis Pato, offer an exciting, wide-angled portrait of Portugal’s Bairrada appellation at its best. Since his ascension in the 1990’s, Mr. Pato’s wines are (outside of Port) many collector’s first emotional connection to Portuguese wine. While the wines have a healthy cult-like following in the States (particularly among industry insiders), the price and accessibility are still surprisingly open for wines of this quality and importance. One of the prime reasons for this is that Mr. Pato values patience, and his wines require time to fully blossom. Today we’re exceptionally lucky to offer a library release of Mr. Pato’s best two reserve reds. Fresh, lyrical, vibrant and carrying an ethereal texture and Zen-like balance, seventeen years of age has brought out the very best of these wines that were originally hidden in its youth. Primed and ready to go, tasting these beauties will make you wonder why Mr. Pato’s initials aren’t tattooed to the arms and hearts of every hardcore Nebbiolo and Burgundy enthusiast around.
More About the Wine
Mr. Pato’s success rests in his uniquely adept ability to pull an arresting amount of finesse from Baga – a complex high acid, tannic grape that he wrangled into something that will remind you of a cross between Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. This was accomplished by Mr. Pato’s pioneering, and fearless vinicultural innovations in Bairrada. He was the first to bring in controlled fermentation temperatures, the first to use stainless steel over chestnut barrels, the first to de-stem and the first to dramatically shorten maceration time. The end result has lead him to become a benchmark producer for Portugal. We’re in love with these unique and special wines and urge you to see why they are so near and dear to our hearts.
2001 3 Vinha Barrio
“Round and fruity with a good spine of acidity. Very charming and expressive without being overworked. Pacey and appetizing. The high level of acidity is counterbalanced by intensity of ripe fruit – I can see why Luis Pato is so proud of this particular vintage.” 17.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson
2001 Luis Pato Quinta do Moinho Red
“From a vineyard of 15-year-old Baga vines. Very deep, dense crimson. Clean finish. Round and full. Really ripe and full of winemaking care. Lovely texture.” 17.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson
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