100% Tannat – Sherman Ridge Vineyard - Port Bottled on 6/10/24
The 2021 Briede Stuurboord is a bold, structured Tannat Port, showcasing the power and finesse of this exceptional variety. Warm fermentation and extended aging in French oak for 36 months have created a wine with depth, balance, and a luxuriously smooth texture.
On the nose, expect dark cherry, cocoa, and subtle spice. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with integrated alcohol, velvety tannins, and a lingering finish that reflects both power and elegance. With 5.2% residual sugar balancing its 19.5% ABV, this wine is decadent yet approachable—a perfect companion for grilled meats, stews, or a quiet evening of reflection.
Technical Details:
Alcohol: 19.5%
pH: 3.94
Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 5.2%
Free SO₂: 32 ppm
Total SO₂: 175 ppm
Fermentation: Warm, 3 weeks
Aging: French oak, 36 months
Packaging: Tapered 500 mL bottle, agglomerated cork
Tasting Notes: Robust yet smooth, with dark cherry, cocoa, and spice. Silky tannins integrate seamlessly with concentrated fruit, offering a layered, luxurious finish.
2024 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: 2021 Stuurboord by Briedé Family Vineyards, VA. Stuurboord is a 100% tannat port-style wine with a clever name! With grapes sourced from the Sherman Ridge Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley, the wine aged 3 years on French oak and is rich and ripe with hints of leather. Appropriately sweet, balanced with spice and tannin.
Reviewed by Julia Harding/Jancis Robinson
A port-style made from Tannat grapes purchased from a grower in Shenandoah AVA, from Sherman Ridge Vineyard. pH 3.94, RS 52 g/l. Aged three years in French oak. Very dark garnet with smudgy rim. Rich, ripe black fruit but no raisining. Sweet, spicy, the sweetness well balanced by the firm but smooth tannins. Warm from the alcohol and tastes better slightly chilled. There's an attractive savoury side to this port-style wine, slightly leathery, which is a good foil to the sweetness. The tannins build in the mouth. A very good port style, harmonious and sustained. (JH)
