2017 Paulo Laureano Tinto 'Private Selection,' Alentejo 750ml

The 2017 Paulo Laureano Tinto 'Private Selection' comes from one of Alentejo's most respected winemakers, a consultant to dozens of Portuguese estates who bottles his own ambitious blends from estate vineyards in the heart of this warm, sun-drenched southern region. Laureano works with traditional Portuguese varieties—Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet—crafting wines that honor Alentejo's deep-rooted winemaking traditions while showing precision and structure that set them apart from the rustic reds the region was once known for. The Private Selection bottling represents his top-tier work: old-vine fruit, extended aging in French oak, and a focus on balance that lets the wine evolve gracefully. This 2017 vintage shows what Alentejo does best when handled with care. The wine is dense and concentrated but not heavy, opening with dark plum, blackberry, and notes of Mediterranean herbs—think wild thyme and rosemary—alongside hints of cocoa and tobacco from its time in barrel. The tannins have softened enough to make this approachable now, but there's still enough backbone for this to develop further over the next few years if you're inclined to cellar it. The 2017 growing season in Alentejo delivered ripe, healthy fruit with good acidity, and Laureano's winemaking captures that ripeness without tipping into overextraction or excessive alcohol heat. Pair this with grilled lamb chops rubbed with garlic and oregano, braised short ribs, or a board of aged Manchego and cured chorizo. It's versatile enough for weeknight dinners but structured enough to hold its own at the table with something more involved. If you're looking to explore Portuguese reds beyond the usual Douro suspects, Paulo Laureano's Private Selection offers a more refined take on Alentejo's potential—serious winemaking at a price that still feels reasonable for what's in the bottle.