Lusus Reserva 2018

With a Gold medal already (to add to Osvaldo's huge tally), this is another rich, well priced red to add to the Portuguese range. It's made from the surprisingly pronounceable (for Portugal) great Baga grape, that tends to be so dark and powerful that it usually only makes up a small part of a blend. Here it's tamed by the skill of the great winemaker, Osvaldo. He sourced the grapes from vineyards in Portugal's Bairrada area. Not far from the Atlantic, the berries need thick skin protection, but ripen well and with excellent concentration. Carefully fermented to be dark and potent, but still velvety smooth, then aged in barrel, this is a sumptuous, warming wine. It offers ripe blackberry and plum with rich spice. Bring on the hearty dishes!