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Sunday 30 December 2012

Framingham Classic Riesling 2009

16.5 / 20
Producer: Framingham
Region: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand



Really fragrant bouquet on this New Zealand Riesling, with lots of sweet white fruit and a really nice mineral, wet-stone backbone.


As is the case with the whites from this winery I've tasted so far, it feels very tuned and precise in the palate. A good deal of acidity goes very well with a more austere, mineral side that is, in turn, put in check by some sweeter, white fruit flavors.


Good length, feeling very balanced down to the end of the taste.


Friday 28 December 2012

Casas Brancas Reserva 2009

15.5 / 20
Producer: Parras
Region:Alentejo
Country:Portugal



Intense and jammy in the nose, with lots of ripe fruits playing around in the glass, backed by soft oak notes and a more vegetable (probably the Trincadeira coming along), flowery side.


Feels very soft in the palate, showing some vegetable notes amidst the focused ripe fruits. A nice acidity matched by velvety, rounded tannins.


Good balanced ending, not long but showing lots of fruits. A wine made to be enjoyed with food.


Wednesday 26 December 2012

Quinta do Sobral Reserva 2010

15.5/ 20
Producer: Quinta do Sobral
Region: Dão
Country: Portugal


Lots of red fruits in the nose of this Dão red, backed by a kind of rustic feeling that goes away with time, bringing to front some nice spices and the flowery notes from the Touriga Nacional.

Fresh acidity in an average structure body, as expected in the Dão, relying more in balance and smoothness than in volume or strength. Fresh and fruit-forward, with some nice notes of oak and cocoa in the medium length ending.


Monday 24 December 2012

Moscatel Superior 10 Anos Horácio Simões

17 / 20
Producer: Casa Horácio Simões
Region: Setúbal
Country: Portugal

Superior is a suffix guaranteeing the quality for this Moscatel from Setúbal (like Reserva on table wines). This 10 year old certainly deserves it, as it is a delightful and powerful Moscatel.

Sweet aromas, a bit of candles, english cake, exotic woods and dry figs compose an intense, powerful but elegant bouquet.

Shows its sweetness in the palate, but it's never excessive. There's a good acidity here, giving it some backbone and supporting the figs and the raisins that appear here. There appear to be some tannins lurking around as well - at least it feels like it i the gums.

Really long finish, very persistent with notes of crystalized orange skins. Still very young, this will age and last for years.


Saturday 22 December 2012

Andreza Grande Reserva 2010

16.5 / 20
Producer: Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal



Essentially fruit forward in the nose, with lots of pineapples and green apples. Very light and fresh, it shows a lot more body in the palate, with the oaky/vanilla notes coming forward and giving it a considerable weight.


A bit unfocused at first, there's a good balance here between the heavier oaky side and a dry, citrus feel. The ending is long and hints at some spices lurking around.


A definite wintery white, that needs to be enjoyed with time - give it some decanting before starting to drink.


Sunday 16 December 2012

Durbanville Hills Pinotage 2010

15 / 20
Producer: Durbanville Hills
Region: Durbanville
Country: South Africa


The link to Pinot Noir (Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut present in South Africa since 1925) is evident in both the color - light, not extracted at all - and in the blend from red cherries, strawberries and an earthier, smokier side that one can feel in the nose. As it was opened, there were some slightly unpleasant rustic and animal notes that overshadowed the rest. But as these became more subdued, hints of vanilla appear that give it some grace.


Not very intense or heavy in the mouth, its standout feature at first is a remarkable acidity. The same rustic, animal notes I found in the nose are also present here in the palate. Again, as time goes by, these recede into the background and some strawberries start to appear in the back of the taste. Definitely gains a lot of balance if enjoyed at a meal, instead of by itself.


Tuesday 11 December 2012

Aldeias de Juromenha Touriga Nacional 2008

15.5 / 20
Producer: Herdade das Aldeias
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal



Bright ruby, the nose is very intense with some flowery notes and lots of ripe, almost jammy red fruits. The bouquet as a whole feels somewhat unvaried, very focused on these jammy notes.


Soft in the palate, with very velvety tannins and a round feel to its half-body structure, this is an enjoyable wine with lots of sweet, ripe blackberries notes.


For my taste, this is a couple of notches below the Syrah these guys make - this Touriga felt a bit out of character. But again, I tend to prefer Tourigas from the Douro or the Dão.


Saturday 8 December 2012

Quinta dos Termos Reserva Branco 2010

16 / 20
Producer: Quinta dos Termos
Region:Beira Interior
Country:Portugal


Flowery in the nose at first, showing a slight sulphur scent later replaced by wet stones, light citrus notes and a hint of sweeter fruit.


Dry and acid in the palate, as expected in whites from this region, it's very focused, precise with lots of lemony notes. Feels a bit short at first, disappearing in the back of the mouth, but its length increases as it breathes and oxigenates.


Feels like it needs to grow in the bottle for a year or so, but it should pay back.


Thursday 6 December 2012

Quinta de Termos Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2006

16.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta dos Termos
Region: Beira Interior
Country: Portugal

















Light garnet in the glass, the nose in this wine from the Beira Interior - a region where red wines tend to be hard and edgy - is really interesting and composed. Some notes of evolution at first, then replaced by sweet red fruit, some chocolates notes, all in a very elegant, beautifully aged profile.


Also very soft and tuned in the palate, with notes of cocoa and chocolate to the foreground, this feels like a wine that's at the right spot for drinking. The tannins are smooth and round, the acidity has changed and morphed but the cherries and red berries are still there, very alive. The feeling of precision and elegance carries on the the nice, long finish.


A very old world wine in approach (although this has 20% Syrah, which is not a classical grape for the Beira Interior, or Portugal), this is a really pleasurable wine, made to be enjoyed some years after its harvest and that will probably age well for another couple of years.


Monday 3 December 2012

Aldeias de Juromenha Verdelho 2011

15 / 20
Producer: Herdade das Aldeias
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal


Very clear to the eye, this verdelho from near Elvas starts by reminding me of dried fruits, almonds and nuts, which is kind of surprising since I was expecting a much more fruit-forward wine. There's some tropical fruit in there, but it seems to be hiding in the background.


Soft fruit notes appear as the wine fills the mouth, to be replaced mid-length by some pleasant, bitter, lemony notes. Again, the same notes of almonds and nuts are lurking around, giving this an edge. As it heats up, some shy pineapple starts to appear in the back of the mouth.


Very pleasant by itself, but its light structure doesn't stand up to food, even a lightly seared perch fillet.


Tuesday 27 November 2012

Herdade de Myrtus Reserva 2007

16 / 20
Producer:Jorge Manuel Matos Francisco
Region: Setúbal
Country: Portugal




A blend including Touriga Nacional, this is apparent in the nose from the start with notes of violets and other flowers coming to the foreground. Later, leather and resin appear and, beneath it all, some discreet but well balanced fruit.


Very alive, intense in the palate with notes of sweet red berries, along with a flowery feel - the Touriga again. Oak and caramel complete the taste in a medium structured body with nice, velvety tannins and a good length.


Not a very classical Setúbal, but a worthy wine and a very good buy at 5€.

Saturday 24 November 2012

Geyerhof Grüner Veltliner Hoher Rain 2011

16.5 / 20
Producer: Geyerhof
Region: Kremstal
Country: Austria



Slightly inexpressive in the nose at first, with maybe some notes of white fruit. As it warms and breathes, a slight mineral feel followed by citrus, acid notes appears. The full bouquet is completed by orange blossom and other flowers.


Surprisingly strong and full in the palate, it has a solid presence. Relying very much on citrus notes, it shows a really interesting bitterness, bringing to mind grapefruits, and the associated dryness. Very original and slightly different from the other Grüner Veltliner I've tasted before, the finish is long and dry.


Paired it with an indian dish and it was a very good match for the spices on the dish.


Thursday 22 November 2012

Grand'Arte Alicante Bouschet 2009

16 / 20
Producer: DFJ Vinhos
Region: Lisboa
Country: Portugal



The intensity and depth of the color is matched by the power of the bouquet on this Alicante Bouschet from near Lisbon. Sweet, ripe blackberries dominate the nose, backgrounded by an oaky, smoky side.

Intense and concentrated also in the palate, fruit forward but balanced by some nice oak notes - dark chocolate pops up often. A good, fresh acidity keeps the wine interesting, offsetting the sweet fruit and a good, average structure is guaranteed by velvety, tamed tannins. Nice, dry finish wraps this up.


Monday 19 November 2012

Trimbach Riesling 2009

16.5 / 20
Producer: Maison Trimbach
Region:Alsace
Country:France


Very lightly coloured, showing a nice straw like hue, this has an expressive, clean nose showing all the usual Riesling notes: A strong mineral, rubbery feeling very well balanced with some sweet tropical fruit underneath.

Although the first impact in the palate is of a sweeter, fruit-forward wine, this very quickly changes halfway and the wine reveals a drier, more acid side that gives it a really focused, edgy taste. Very mineral, austere and showing notes of lemon, the sweeter side only appears from time to time, seasoning its austerity and dryness.

Really good and promises to grow in the bottle.


Saturday 17 November 2012

Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage 2007

15.5 / 20
Producer: Niepoort
Region: Porto
Country: Portugal













Bottled a year ago or earlier this year, this Late Bottled Vintage feels very closed.

The nose feels very subdued and disperse, showing some plums and not much else. Later, much later some almonds and dried fruits also show up, along with chemical paper notes.

More expressive in the palate, but also showing some signs of youth, with dry, hard tannins in the foreground, almost hiding the dense sweet fruit that seems to be underneath.

Surprisingly, while showing a lot of structure and density, the finish is somewhat short.

2007 having been a year for very powerful, intense wines from the Douro, it seems this one needs some time in the bottle to soften and become more approachable.


Right now, it's not a very friendly, inviting wine.


Monday 12 November 2012

Filoco 2009

16 / 20
Producer: Quinta do Filoco
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal



A true Douro in the nose, with buckroses, resin and wild flowers backed by intense wild fruits and a oaky feel underneath it all.

Feels very young, almost wild in the palate, showing a fresh acidity and a decent amount of dry tannins. It is not a full-bodied wine, although it has some structure in it, but has a nice length, finishing with wild red berries and strong notes of dark chocolate and cocoa.

Overall, a very young wine that will need some time in the bottle to settle down and grow.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Cova da Ursa 2010

16.5 / 20
Producer: Bacalhôa
Region: Setúbal
Country: Portugal


Probably the most classical (and old) Chardonnay made in Portugal, this is one of those wines you know won't disappoint. From the yellow, light golden color continuing to those classical Chardonnay aromas - quince, boiled apples and pears, the oaky and buttery background and a hint of guavas, this is a composed and nicely tuned Chardonnay.


Expectedly full in the palate, but, again, finely tuned and balanced by a good deal of citrus-like dryness and a fresh acidity, it's a structured, deep and long lived wine that will shine in colder weather.


Saturday 3 November 2012

Blog 2009

17.5 / 20
Producer: Tiago Cabaço
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal
















This is the top wine for a young winemaker from Estremoz, Alentejo - and Susana Estéban, of Crasto and Solar dos Lobos fame. I tasted the 07 (or 08) vintage a couple of years ago and was not very impressed, feeling its quality did not match up to its price - something which was inverted in the othe brands, .com and .beb that had a really good quality/price ratio.


Since this 09 gained a lot of attention, being declared the best 2009 Alentejo wine in some places, I decided to try it again. And I'm glad I did!


Deep purple in the glass, it's very intense in the nose. Not a classical Alentejo, but somehow managing to take that classical side and turn it into something modern and vibrant all along. The Alicante Bouschet is front stage at first with olives showing up, a hint of spices and some meaty black fruit. As it breathes, the Syrah joins in, again showing some vibrant black fruit in a sweeter perspective, almost jammy. But always feeling very balanced and poised.


Feels very elegant in the mouth, although it definitely is a very sructured, full bodied wine. The raspberries come more to the foreground in the palate than in the nose, very well backed up by a fresh acidity and a layer of velvety tannins handing out even more structure to the wine. Finish is long and intense.


Paired marveously with a lamb coated with honey and rosemary, a regional recipe from a top restaurant in Estremoz.


Thursday 1 November 2012

Conde de Vimioso Reserva 2007

17 / 20
Producer: Falua
Region:Tejo
Country:Portugal

A venture by João Portugal Ramos - very well known for his wines in Estremoz, Alentejo - in the Ribatejo, Falua produces Tejo wines mainly for the international market. This wine is, I think, the top brand of the house and it comes along as a serious, intense wine that will age well for some more years.


Dark garnet to the eye, the nose is very intense although not in a fruit-forward way. Instead, it starts off with some more mineral notes - a hint of shale, then some earthy, mushroom and dried leaves notes and finally opens up to caramel, toast mingled with black berries and plums.



Really good structure in the palate, with some great velvety yet hard tannins and a backbone of fresh acidity that lets the cocoa/chocolate and black fruit fully reveal themselves while keeping the whole set austere and deep. Very good structure without becoming too fat or heavy, this is a really good wine, finishing long with notes of cocoa and spices.





Tuesday 30 October 2012

Quinta de Cottas Grande Reserva 2010

16.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta de Cottas
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal














I tasted the reserva 2009 a couple of months ago and really liked it, being one of those very dry whites from the Douro that, for my taste, really develop when staged in oak for some months. I'm not sure if this Grande Reserva is a rebranding or a new top brand, but I liked this one even more, I must say, although they seemed to cut down on the dryness for this vintage.



Greenish tinged, the nose is very complex, penetrating and intense. Strong vegetable notes at first - aspargus, mainly - open up way to a sweeter, vanilla-like scent along with dried almonds, the new oak barrels where this staged having left its mark. Still later on, some white fruit and flowers join the party and make for a very enticing bouquet.



The fresh acidity is a worthwhile match for the heavier, sweeter streak brought on by the oak. On the whole, the wine feels very structured and complex in the palate, the oakier notes making it mouth filling while maintaining a good fresh vibe. I think it just lacks maybe a little more elegance to make it ascend to the next level.



Really good, long finish.





Sunday 28 October 2012

Offley Late Bottled Vintage 1997

16.5 / 20
Producer: Offley
Region: Porto
Country: Portugal




This one looks a lot younger than its 15 years. Starting by the color, a really dark purple, and carrying on to the nose, where a lot of black berries are still very present, along with a slight more chemical paper feel and the usual dried plums, raisins and a hint of spices. Very intense and vibrant bouquet.

Good intensity on the palate as well, its good structure showing some distinct layers where sweet black fruits mix with sweeter notes, a touch of syrup but still brought together by a nice lingering acidity. Good, strong and lengthy ending.

A notch up from the 200 LBV I tasted a year or so from the same brand and another piece of evidence in favour of older LBVs.


Saturday 27 October 2012

Montado 2010

14.5 / 20
Producer: José Maria da Fonseca
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal



Clear ruby in the glass, the nose is composed mainly by red fruits and a light cellar/winery scent.



Feels very soft in the palate, with a decent amount of red fruits. Lightly structured, the balanced acidity and light tannins clearly say this is a wine made to be enjoyed young. On first taste, the ending brought out some marked alcohol notes but these are hardly noticeable when paired with food.



One for the everyday meal.





Tuesday 23 October 2012

Lion's Land Shiraz Pinotage 2008

15.0 / 20
Producer: Lion's Land
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa







Clear garnet, this is a blend of Shiraz and Pinotage, pinotage being South Africa's signature variety. Apparently, it's a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. I believe this was the first time I tasted a Pinotage wine and I definitely see the link to Pinot Noir, both in the light color of the wine and in some earthy/smoky scents and flavors that I usually associate with Pinot Noir.


The bouquet brings some dried plums and jam, a bit monotone at first. It becomes a little more interesting as it opens, revealing the afore mentioned earth/smoke notes as well as a spicier, peppery side.


The first taste reveals a light body and a good deal of acidity. Surprisingly, I felt a lot more red fruits here than in the nose. As with the nose, as it opens the palate becomes more revealing and the dried plums and jam in the nose also appear here. Lightly structured and with balanced tannins, both the acidity and the spicier, peppery notes give it some interest. Medium length finish wraps up the taste.



Tasted on 2012-10-20

Quinta do Boição Arinto Reserva 2010

16.0 / 20
Producer: Enoport
Region: Bucelas
Country: Portugal







100% Arinto from Bucelas, this has a nice straw color and a fine bouquet, where notes of ripe citrus fruit mingle with smokier notes, a hint of mineral - rubbery notes like in a Riesling - and, as it warms up, a scent of oak pops up, reminding us this has fermented in oak for

some time.


Dry impact in the mouth, the mineral notes to the foreground along with lemon and lime. In the background, a touch of hazelnuts and a creamier, heavier texture give it some grace and weight.


Feels very fresh but, at the same time, it also shows some weight and structure, which gives it an added interest. Finish is long and dry, the citrus notes again mixed with hazelnuts.


Very interesting and with a good quality/price ratio.



Tasted on 2012-10-18

Bétula 2011

16.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta do Torgal
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal







An equal blend of Sauvignon and Viognier, this white from the Douro has a nice greenish tinge to it and a very delicate, smooth and elegant bouquet where slight tropical fruit notes mingle with sharper citrus impression, orange blossoms and, as it breathes and opens, smooth vegetable notes.


Very smooth in the palate as well, homogeneous and showing a good structure. Some notes of passion fruit appear, along with more herbaceous impressions and a strong mineral backbone. Feeling a bit closed at first, it shows a clear crescendo of intensity as time goes by. Ends very well, dry and with the citrus notes coming to the foreground.


Comparing it with the previous vintages, I think there's a marked evolution towards a more austere approach. Both the oak notes and the tropical fruits were more present in the previous vintages, whereas this one seems to rely even more on the mineral/citrus side. Although I still miss the splendid acidity the 2009 had.



Tasted on 2012-10-14

Cigalus 2009

17.0 / 20
Producer: Gérard Bertrand
Region: Pays d'Oc
Country: France







Really dark and concentrated in the glass, this shows some ripe dark fruits in the nose, delicate at first, but quickly growing and expanding, showing a spicier side and, as it breathes, a note of grass and mint that really composes the set.


Intense and full bodied in the palate, showing a vibrant acidity and marked by a good deal of concentrated black fruits. Velvety tannins help give it even more structure and layers, while the vanilla and oaky notes give it a very deep and composed feel. The subtle spices and vegetable notes present throughout the taste give it an added edge and grace, resulting in a really interesting wine that will age for some more years.



Tasted on 2012-10-11

Grand Terroirs Tautavel 2008

16.5 / 20
Producer: Gérard Bertrand
Region: Cotes du Roussillon
Country: France







Very dark to the eye, this Grenache/Syrah/Carignan blend is an enticing, deep and elegant red with the nose very focused on sweet black fruits - blackberries and blackcurrants - and showing caramel and coffee, pepper and a hint of liquorice.


Intense in the palate, with strong black fruit notes expertly mixed with the oak, it comes along as a very balanced wine, with acidity, tannins, fruit and oak all balancing out and creating a really good red.



Tasted on 2012-10-08

Quinta do Cardo Reserva Touriga Nacional 2008

15.5 / 20
Producer: Companhia das Quintas
Region: Beira Interior
Country: Portugal







Dark purple in the glass, this Touriga from the Beira Interior (near Figueira do Castelo Rodrigo) feels very closed both in the nose and in the palate. The bouquet reveals a hint of violets, a touch of intense, concentrated red fruits and a slight impression of mint and assorted plants. At first, a slightly unpleasant animal scent also appears but this clears after a minute or so. It takes a couple of hours for the bouquet

to gain focus and reveal the stronger violet, flowery notes usually associated with Touriga Nacional.


The same closed feeling appears in the palate. The tannins feel very hard and, coupled with a good, fresh acidity, they overshadow the intense red fruit and flowers that can be felt in the background. At this point in time, the medium structure of the wine seems unable to harness both the tannins and the acidity. As it opens and breathes, it mellows and a pleasant sense of flowers comes forward and helps the wine gain a lot.


Definitely one to keep in the cellar for some more years.


Tasted on 2012-09-21

Monday 22 October 2012

Aldeias de Juromenha Reserva Syrah 2008

16.0 / 20
Producer: Herdade das Aldeias
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Open ruby, the nose is all about berries, blackberries and raspberries, at times coming into the jammy side, but keeping things controlled and balanced. A background of spices/oak keeps it interesting and inviting.


Round, inviting taste with a nicely tuned, average structured body with smooth, velvety tannins and a balanced acidity. Lots of blacberries in the palate again, showcasing the warmth of the Alentejo, it finishes smooth and long.



Tasted on 2012-09-19

Marquês dos Vales Grace Vineyard 2009

15.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta dos Vales
Region: Algarve
Country: Portugal







Coming from the Algarve, made with Siria, Malvasia Fina and Arinto, it shows a nice deep yellow color, almost golden.


Intense and open in the nose, with flowery notes and sweet white fruit - lots of apricots and peaches. There's also a sense of minerality here, nicely balancing the sweetness of the fruit.


Surprisingly, it feels very dry in the mouth, with lots of lemon and lime notes, with the corresponding fresh acidity. This dryness nicely cuts through the sweetness of the white fruits, also present in the body. Dry and filled with citrus notes, the ending is medium long, effectively cleaning the palate.


Really good by itself, it lost a bit of focus when matched with a light salmon dish, so I would recommend this by itself.


Tasted on 2012-09-17

CARMIM Alicante Bouschet 2009

15.5 / 20
Producer: CARMIM
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Dark ruby, showing meaty and ripe, almost jammy red fruit along with a hint of olives in the well balanced bouquet, supported by nice oaky notes.


In the palate, the vegetable/olive notes come up again, mingled with just the right amount of fruit and a touch of oak. Round, balanced and ready to drink, it has a medium length and finishes with notes of mulberries and jam.


Tasted on 2012-09-13

Quinta do Portal Vintage 1999

16.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta do Portal
Region: Porto
Country: Portugal







Good, dark ruby color when poured in the glass, the nose is filled with spices, raisins and dried plums and apricots. Also present in the background are cocoa and coffe and, at times, some ripe red berries also come up.


Its 13 years have erased most of the rough edges, the wine feeling very round in the palate, the tannins very integrated into the set, just present enough to give it some bite, and the ripe red fruits not overpowering the other components of the wine. Nevertheless, a full bodied wine, still very imposing where dried fruits and spices mingle with the ripe red fruit to create a good taste. Finish is quite long.


Feels ready to drink and enjoy right now - at its price, a really enjoyable Vintage.



Tasted on 2012-09-09

Symmetria Best 2006

16.5 / 20
Producer: Paulo Laureano
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Deeply purple to the eye, the nose on this Alentejo is intense, showing lots of ripe red fruits, some dried plums and raisins and a nice touch of oaky notes.


Good structure on the palate, again showing in first impact some dried fruits that later open to some red fruit. This is matched by cocoa and toast notes from the oak and a good, refreshing acidity.


Lively, very present tannins provide this with an added structure and give it a good presence in the palate, finishing long.



Tasted on 2012-09-04

Reguengos Garrafeira dos Sócios 2004

16.5 / 20
Producer: CARMIM
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







A classic Alentejo, this is the top brand from CARMIM, in Reguengos de Monsaraz. Lively garnet in the glass, the nose is really inviting with a lot of spices, some oak notes in the shape of cocoa and some vanilla and a decent amount of dried plums and raisins that hint at its age but are extremely enjoyable.


Very balanced, almost delicate in the glass at first, although it still manages to show a good deal of complexity in a body that is very marked by spices and dried plums and raisins. Some ripe red fruits also appear in the background. Remarkable for its balance and elegance, this is a very gastronomical wine that will pair with a lot of different dishes. Long, composed finish again highlights the wine's balance

and elegance.


Paired very well with a roast rabbit, the smoothness and delicacy of the meat flavor matching the elegance of the wine step by step.

Tasted on 2012-09-03

Aldeias da Juromenha Reserva 2007

16.0 / 20
Producer: Herdade das Aldeias
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







From near Elvas, in the Alto Alentejo, this ruby-colored reserva has a distinctive Alentejo bouquet, warm and fruit-forward, with nice red fruit notes with a clear acid side along wih oak.


Very inviting in the palate, rounded and with a nice balance between fruit and oak, it shows some quality red fruit, with just the right amount of acidity. Also present is a more vegetable, grassy side - probably from the Cabernet Sauvignon present in the blend, although it is not apparent in the nose. Good, present tannins that mold the wine without imposing themselves on the taste, this has a good, lengthy finale marked by plum notes.


A definite classical Alentejo, very inviting and food-friendly .


Tasted on 2012-09-02

Scala Dei Prior 2007

17.0 / 20
Producer: Cellers de Scala Dei
Region: Priorat
Country: Spain







Deep, dark purple to the eye, this red from the Priorat has an intense, warm nose, at first centered on exotic woods and spices and then revealing a strong ripe black fruit backbone.


Full-bodied, intense and structured as usual with the reds from the Priorat, it shows some hard tannins and a fresh acidity that keeps it from being too heavy. Lots of caramel and cocoa notes in the palate, more present than the fruit notes, although there are some juicy dark plums in the intense, long and hot ending.


A really intense wine that will probably age well for a couple more years.


Tasted on 2012-09-01

GP Medieval de Ourém 2011

15.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta do montalto
Region: Encostas de Aire
Country: Portugal







This is a peculiar wine from Ourém, near Lisbon, made following the procedures set by the monks of Cister centuries ago. This means that white (80%) and red (20%) grapes are mixed during the winemaking process - being first harvested and treated separately - and that the red grapes spend very little time in contact with their skins, resulting in a lightly colored, fruit-forward wine. Keeping up with the age-old tradition, this wine is fully bio wine.


Apart from all the inherent tradition and winemaking process, this is actually a very pleasant wine, very light in color, but with great red fruit (strawberries come to mind a lot) and some spices notes in the nose.


Soft in the palate, very fresh and fruit-forward, it's backed by a great acidity and verve. Marked by red fruit notes all the way throughout the taste, it has a surprisingly long persistence for its body. The only downside would be that at times it feels a bit unidimensional.


Made to be enjoyed young, it's definitely worth the experience and its acidity makes it a good pairing for traditional dishes, based on olive oil.


Tasted on 2012-08-30

Arenae 2008

16.0 / 20
Producer: Adega Regional de Colares
Region: Colares
Country: Portugal







Like the reds from Colares, the white wines from this region are out of the ordinary experiences. There is a definite sense of old world in these wines, maybe caused by the terroir, maybe because of the way the vines are planted deep in sand. Anyway, both red and whites are wines made to be enjoyed some years after the vintage and are pretty much guaranteed to hold up those years.


This white has a beautiful golden color and, although the nose has lost the tropical fruit notes usual in Malvasia, it has started to gain an ejoyable smoky, toasty feel, along with dried almonds, a hint of boiled apples and, to the background, a distinct mineral, rubbery impression. Very interesting and composed, leaving out any kind of excessive fruit.



Soft and light in the palate, it stands its own ground, however, supported by some really interesting grapefruit notes that give it some bitterness and a strong mineral side, that sometimes veers into salty territory - Colares is by the atlantic seaside. Very well balanced, with everything in its place, the ending is medium-length and brings out some more refreshing bitter notes.


Definitely not your average white and a worthy experience.


Tasted on 2012-08-28

Bacalhôa Moscatel Roxo 2000

17.0 / 20
Producer: Bacalhôa
Region: Setúbal
Country: Portugal







From one of the major wine producers in Setúbal (and Portugal, I guess), this Moscatel Roxo is a great example of these fortified wines. Light amber, the nose is intense and rich but never being excessive. I was reminded of an aged Madeira on first impact, with the same crystalized lemon rind, exotic woods, dried fruits and smoky feel. Later on, there are also a good deal of more flowery notes (orange blossom) popping up.


In the palate, this shows a masterful balance between the sweetness brought by the more honeyed notes and the acidity that is brought by the crystalized lemon and orange rind. Structured and full-bodied as expected, but able to keep the taste lively and fresh, finishing in a lengthy fashion.


Tasted on 2012-08-25

Quinta dos Quatro Ventos 2008

16.0 / 20
Producer: Aliança
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal







2008 was a very good year in the Douro, producing elegant and hopefully long lived wines, contrasting with the more powerful - but also excellent - 2007. This wine is a good example of the premium wines (around 10€) from that year. Deep extracted garnet, the nose is very balanced and composed, bringing to mind shale, wild bushes, ripe, strong wild red fruits and a touch of oak and toast.


A bit more fruit-forward in the mouth, the wild red and black fruits coming to the foreground, it is a balanced, nicely built wine with a good, fresh acidity and balanced but present tannins. Overall, a sense of balance and elegance permeates the taste all the way to the nice, lengthy finale that leaves discreet cocoa notes in the palate.


Tasted on 2012-08-23

Côtto Grande Escolha 2001

15.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta do Cotto
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal







Sporting a clear, lively garnet color, this 11 year old red from the Douro shows some nice aromas, still showing some red fruit jam and dried fruits along with the more usual old wine aromas - old cupboards, the

inside of cigar boxes and dried leaves.


Light body on the palate, with marked tertiary notes, it still show some life - good acidity, for instance - but it fails to live up to the expectations set by the bouquet. While the bouquet hints at some complexity and delicacy, the taste merely reveals a nice older wine, certainly fit enough to be enjoyed, but not showing the complexity and balance I was expecting.


Although it fared better than the 2000 I tasted a couple of months ago, I was expecting more from this.



Tasted on 2012-08-21

Schloss Lieser Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2009

15.5 / 20
Producer: Thomas Haag
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany







Showing a pale yellow color and some bubbles - that are not at all perceptible on the palate later on -

this Riesling from the Mosel has a bouquet clearly dominated by mineral notes, sometimes recalling sulphur - not to the point of being unpleasant, but the rotten eggs impression is definitely there - other times going into the more familiar rubbery territory. On the background, some slight tropical, sweet notes also appear.


Soft and light in the palate, with a slight sweetness compensated by a crisp, fresh acidity, the body is also very marked by a strong, pleasant minerality with some tropical fruits resulting in a palate cleansing, pleasurable wine. Good, strong and pleasant finish.



Tasted on 2012-08-19

Quinta dos Carvalhais Alfrocheiro 2006

16.5 / 20
Producer: Sogrape
Region: Dão
Country: Portugal







Beautifully colored, sporting a dark red, almost purple tone, the bouquet has a nice intensity, with some flowers, a hint of mint and some strong dark fruit (raspberries and plums) notes. Beneath, a background of cocoa and other oaky notes enhances the ensemble.


Feeling delicate and balanced on the palate, still with a really good acidity and with nicely tuned and integrated tannins that help give it structure and layers. It's not a full bodied wine but it manages to mark the taste, with some good notes of dark fruits and some jam. Long, persistent finish that lingers for a long time.


Tasted on 2012-08-17

Reserva ACR 2009

15.5 / 20
Producer: Adega Cooperativa do Redondo
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Not very expressive on the nose, this reserve from Adega Cooperativa do Redondo shows some red wild fruits along with some oak and spices notes.


In the palate, it feels fulll bodied, showing a tannic structure, fresh acidity and some marked oak notes. Tasting it by itself, it comes along as a really young wine, needing some bottle time to mellow and mature. It feels more balanced when matched with food, with some nice wild red fruits bubbling up to the foreground while the tannins and the acidity are kept in check by the food - assuming you taste this with an heavy, meat based dish.


Nice persistence that gives up some more fruit notes. Overall, this felt like it needed at least a couple of years in the bottle before being properly appreciated.



Tasted on 2012-08-16

Monsaraz Millennium 2011

15.0 / 20
Producer: CARMIM
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Predominantly citrus scented at first, there are also some sweet tropical fruits joining the bouquet later.


Soft in the palate, very balanced and easy to drink, it also shows some light citrus notes along with sweet, meaty fruits. Average length on the ending, this would be a good choice to drink by itself by the pool or beach.


Tasted on 2012-08-15

ACR Touriga Nacional 2006

15.0 / 20
Producer: Adega Cooperativa do Redondo
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Another varietal from Adega Cooperativa do Redondo, this Touriga Nacional has a nice open ruby color and a pleasant nose where ripe red fruit mingle with some oaky notes and, later on, some faint flowery notes also appear.


Also pleasant in the palate, with nice, ripe raspberries, a nice dryness and a balanced acidity, this is a balanced, honest wine, although it feels somewhat tired sometimes. Good average Persistence with notes of red fruits again, but where the usual flowery notes from the Touriga are absent.


Tasted on 2012-08-13

José de Sousa 2007

15.5 / 20
Producer: José Maria da Fonseca
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Tasted in a half-bottle, this red from Reguengos de Monsaraz has the distinctive feature of having been partially aged in some huge clay vases.


Pleasantly ruby to the eye, the nose has some nice wild red berries going, along with a more harder to pin down note - something more vegetable, mint-like.


Nice, average bodied in the palate, with really lively, dry tannins. These tannins, along with a fresh acidity give this a nervy, edgy feel that is very refreshing. Good red wild berries on the palate as well, the fruit being more on the acid side than on the sweeter, the end is average length.


A very gastronomic wine and a wine that will probably age well.



Tasted on 2012-08-11

ACR Syrah 2006

15.5 / 20
Producer: Adega Cooperativa do Redondo
Region: Alentejo
Country: Portugal







Clear garnet in the glass, this Syrah starts with a not very enthusiastic bouquet, showing some sweet raspberries and jam, along with a hint of evolution. As it opens, there's a light mint note in there as well.


First impact on the mouth is much more rewarding, with the wine showing a good intensity, soft and polished but still showing a good deal of acidity and a very interesting raspberry and mulberry feel that fills the palate without being too heavy.


Very balanced and sharp all the way to the medium-length finish that shows lots of red berries.


Nicely polished and in a really good drinking window, this was a really nice surprise and a very worthwhile Alentejo Syrah.



Tasted on 2012-08-10

Cottas Reserva 2009

16.5 / 20
Producer: Quinta de Cottas
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal







A blend of typical white Douro grapes, this is a great example of a really good Douro wine, balancing freshness and zest with structure and oak. Light green to the eye, the nose has some smoke, an oaky, almond-like feel and some citrus note. Also present is a mineral, sharp feel that enhances the bouquet.


Feels very dry and fresh on the palate, while at the same time relaying some sense of structure and weight. Elegant and balanced, the almond/oak is very well integrated with the citrus notes, present but not overlapping the acidity and dryness. Really strong ending, with more citrus notes popping up, it comes along as a sharp, expertly made white that will probably age very well.


Tasted on 2012-08-09

Parus 2010

15.5 / 20
Producer: Herdade da Comporta
Region: Setúbal
Country: Portugal







100% Antão Vaz coming from Herdade da Comporta, this straw-yellow white has a nose dominated by apricots and peaches at first, that are later replaced by some sweeter, more expressive tropical fruits.


Soft in the palate, with a balanced acidity and a fruit-forward approach, with white and tropical fruits to the foreground, along with a background drier citrus feel. Feeling restrained at first, some time in the glass seem to do it good, becoming more open and expressive. Good, lengthy finale that is perhaps too marked by alcohol. At 14%, sometimes the alcohol comes a bit too much to the foreground.



Tasted on 2012-08-08