First taste: MOB 2011 – a Dão red from Messrs Moreira, Olazabal and Borges

In Monday’s post, I reflected on several exciting collaborative efforts which caught my eye in 2012.  This spring, you’ll be able to taste the fruits of another. MOB, short for Moreira, Olazabal and Borges, is the new Dão joint venture label from Douro winemakers Jorge Moreira (Poeira), Francisco Olazabal (Quinta do Vale Meão) and Jorge Serôdio Borges (Wine & Soul).

It is sourced from fruit from the high altitude Quinta do Corujão, which the trio leased in 2010. As Moreira (pictured) explained when he gave me a sneak preview of their maiden release last month, the aim was to produce a wine with a clear Dão identity – elegant and intense, rather than concentrated and bold. “Old style,” said Olazabal. Perfumed, persistent and precise, it’s a MOB job very well done!  Here’s my note:

MOB 2011 (Dão)

This deeply coloured old vine blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro and Baga (a sample) has an invitingly fresh and floral nose. A freshness which lends great persistence and levity to its bright but sensual, very pure fruit.  Firm but ripe tannins make for a precise palate.  This is a highly promising, beautifully understated red, which Moreira expects will be released in a couple of months.