The 2001 “Conde de Vimioso Reserva” (Falua – Sociedade de Vinhos) has beautiful, plum-nuanced fruit in this unfined, unfiltered bottling. I just loved the flavors. The tannins appear quickly, but they are relatively refined and ripe. The finish has some grip, though, and the flavors are persistent and lingering. The elegant mid-palate is round, with traces of oak, and there is some brightness to cut the sweet, rather delectable fruit. With a hint of eucalyptus or mint, this seems to me to be a pretty fine deal in a modern-styled wine. It is approachable now, and the tannins fall off fairly quickly after its initial wake-up call. A bit simple, admittedly, stylish but not intense or complex, and not likely to become so with cellaring, it is pretty much at peak already. Yet, this wine is very attractive and a pretty nice deal at its price point. Kudos also on the beautiful bottle. Drink now-2012.
Ramos is one of the best known names in Southern Portugal, making wines under a variety of labels and in several regions. His labels include the familiar Marques de Borba, as well as Vila Santa. His company also owns Falua in Ribatejo. For convenience, all our grouped here, since they are all Ramos-owned operations. Ramos is also the winemaker at his father-in-law’s estate (separately listed), Quinta de Foz de Arouce. Oh, and just a pet peeve – between Borba, Vila Santa and Falua, Ramos seems to delight in making the vintage dates tiny and/or indistinct. Bring a magnifying glass. -MS
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