by Andrew Chalk
Souzão, now increasingly called Sezão, is an unfamous Portuguese blending grape used in the production of port. For Dr Bob Young, principal of Bending Branch Winery, it was something of a personal project to raise it to prominence in the Texas wine portfolio. On the basis of this impressive effort, judged by quality, he has succeeded. It remains to be seen whether other producers latch on and turn it into a significant product.
If you can find any Texas Souzão, aged or current vintage, buy it. Some to keep, some to enjoy now. It is where Tannat was in the state a decade ago. The quality is there, The reputation is still to come.
TASTING NOTES
NAME: | Bending Branch Winery 2014 Estate Souzão, Texas Hill Country |
APPEARANCE | COMMENTS |
Clarity | clear |
Intensity | deep |
Color | purple rim, garnet core |
Other observations | |
NOSE | |
Condition | clean |
Intensity | medium plus |
Aroma characteristics | black plum, blueberry, licorice, cinnamon, cloves, bread, leather |
PALATE | |
Sweetness | dry |
Acidity | |
Tannin | medium/ chewy |
Alcohol | medium plus |
Body | full |
Flavor intensity | pronounced |
Flavor characteristics | confirms nose, molasses, dried fruit. |
Other observations | |
Finish | long |
CONCLUSION | |
Quality assessment | Very good. Much younger than its ten years auger. Will improve for years with the level of tannin and the effusive fruit. |
Bottle aging | Suitable |
