Reynolds Wine Growers: top wines from the cooler north of Portugal’s Alentejo
Website: https://reynoldswinegrowers.com/en/
Reynolds Wine Growers is a significant producer, with a 200 hectare farm in Figuera de Cima, with 40 hectares of vines. One of the benefits of the location is altitude, at 600 m. This is next to Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, Portalegre, in the north of the region. They also have two other smaller vineyards in other locations.
It’s currently being run by Julian Reynolds, whose grandfather, Thomas Reynolds, introduced Alicante Bouschet into Portugal. This is the same Reynolds family that was behind another Alentejo winery, Mouchão. I tasted these wines with Julian.
Yields are low at 3.5 tons/ha. They pick by variety, and don’t crush any of the grapes, just destem. Whites are fermented and aged in stainless steel, while reds are fermented in large oak, then do malolactic in barrel.
Reynolds Wine Growers Gloria Reynolds Art & Tradition Branco 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
This is Antão Vaz. Nice intensity on the nose, with pear and peach fruit. There’s lovely fruity depth on the palate with a spicy, savoury edge. Grainy and chiselled with a lovely fruit core. 94/100
Reynolds Wine Growers Alicante Bouschet Grande Reserva ‘Julian Reynolds’ 2016 Alentejo, Portugal
There’s a bit of Syrah in the mix here. Beautiful floral intensity on the nose, which is fine and sweetly aromatic. The palate has freshness and density with real elegance. Such purity, this is ageing really well, and has a long way still to go. 96/100
Reynolds Wine Growers Alicante Bouschet Grande Reserva ‘Julian Reynolds’ 2005 Alentejo, Portugal
Nice development on the nose with some iodine and spice. Quite mineral with sweet berry fruits. Has tannins still, and savoury notes of spice, earth and iodine. Fresh, mineral and complex with great intensity. Fully developed, but still alive. 95/100
Reynolds Wine Growers Gloria Reynolds Art & Tradition 2014 Alentejo, Portugal
100% Alicante, two years in Seguin Moreau Icône Elégance barrels. Concentrated and fresh, and still taut and focused, with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit with good density and tannins. Focused, with a firm, grippy finish. So lovely and full of interest. 95/100
Reynolds Wine Growers Gloria Reynolds Cathedral 2005 Alentejo, Portugal
They release 2000 bottles of this and keep the rest for friends and family. Alicante Bouschet. Still deeply coloured with a slight savoury edge to the nose. Earth, malt and soy sauce notes on the nose as well as vivid fruit. The palate is concentrated and dense with some nice grip. Bold and vivid with a savoury twist, and fully mature. 93/100
