Art meets Bacchus

Furtiva Lágrima 2008

2012-02-01T15:14:00.000Z

Nuno Ataíde have a passion for opera. Based on that chose for his top of the range wine the name of an aria of Donizetti. 13,5%. Made with Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Aragonês aged 12 months in French oak barrels. A wine that has aromas like caramel, vanilla and menthol. With good volume I think lack some acidity and potential for longevity.

www.montedaraposinha.com

Quinta do Escudial Vinhas Velhas 2007

2012-02-01T10:17:00.002Z

14%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen and Tinta Roriz grape varieties which vines were planted in granitic soil just near Serra da Estrela. It shows a clear ruby color and intense aroma of very ripe fruits, pine and pine needles. Good structure of the mouth but with a lack of some acidity.

www.quintadoescudial.com

Tierra de Luna Malbec 2010

2012-01-31T15:42:00.000Z

The Tierra de Luna Malbec is a wine which vines were planted 700 metres above sea level and the gapes usually are harvested during the night. It’s medium-bodied and hassoft tannins. Very fruity where we can find wild berries and spices. It isn’tmy kind of wine.

www.francoislurton.com

Gran Lurton 2009

2012-01-31T15:05:00.000Z

This wine from François Lurton wine estate in Argentina is made with a blend of Friulano (also know as Sauvignon Vert or Sauvignonasse), Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Torrontés. Having a golden color and complex aroma full of minerality. Citric fruits and peaches aroma. In mouth we can find a well balanced acidity as well as alcohol and good structure and persistence. Very smooth. Nice.

www.francoislurton.com

Cossart Gordon Bual 1995

2012-01-31T12:05:00.000Z

Beautiful Madeira from Cossart's. With a deep brownish color and satin and unctuous aroma with lots of amber, dried fruits and other balsamic hints. Full of freshness, acidity and persistence. Very interesting indeed.

www.madeirawincompany.com

Quinta das Bágeiras Pai Abel 2009

2012-01-31T11:48:00.004Z

14%. Clean and having greenish color. Strong aromatic intensity of apples. Structured with good acidity. I expected a longer finish.

www.quintadasbageiras.pt

Quinta das Bágeiras Garrafeira 2006

2012-01-31T11:46:00.000Z

14%. Made with grapes from old vines of Maria Gomes and Bical varieties. Satin aroma of flowers. Unctuous. Fresh. With good structure and acidity it shows a slight oxidation.

www.quintadasbageiras.pt

Naia 2010

2012-01-31T10:33:00.000Z

13%. Made with Verdejo grape variety right from Rueda wine region. Clean greenish color. Has some aromatic intensity of lime, citric fruits and balsamic hints. Fresh, dry and having a balanced acidity. Very alcoholic. Didn’t like at all.

www.bodegasnaia.com

Dr. Loosen 2007 Riesling Kabinett Erdener Treppche

2012-01-31T10:16:00.002Z

8%. Cleancitrus color. Vegetablearoma. Orange blossom. Slightly carbonated. Good acidity and persistence. A greedywine.

www.drloosen.de

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Auslese 1990

2012-01-27T16:17:00.000Z

The Riesling wines under Dr. Bürklin-Wolfchancelare known since the distant year of 1597 and are still held by the same family.Their main characteristics are cleanness, elegance and minerality. Made from grapeswith botrytis, the quantity is very small. The property, which has about 90 hain the Pfalz region, has a very diverse soil with limestone, sandstone, basalt andloam.

This Auslese 'R' 1990 is a wine that shows enoughwealth in their golden color and a honeyed lynches aromas. On the palate is freshwith good acidity and complex flavor of prominent grapes attacked by botrytis. Goodpersistence. An interesting wine that I’d liked to taste other ones.

www.buerklin-wolf.de

Caves Velhas Bucelas Garrafeira 1998

2012-01-27T11:05:00.001Z

11,5%. Made with Arinto (80%), Esgana Cão e and Rabo de Ovelha aged 6 months in Portuguese oak barrels. It features a yellow-brown color and appears to be very rusty. Really subtle. We found aromas of oil, peach and candied fruit. Also some honey. Average structure revealing high acidity. Medium persistence. For the price worth the experience.

Champ De Sousa et Fils Blanc De Blanc Brut "Reserve Grand Cru"

2012-01-27T10:37:00.000Z

Clean with a light straw color has a green apples aroma as well as butter. Thin bubbles and truly persistent. Very interesting experience.

You can also see here the wine taste of this wine made by Andreas Larsson.

Blandy's Harvest Malmsey 2001

2012-01-23T10:09:00.000Z

Clean wine with a light amber color. Hazel-nuts aroma, as well as, nuts, lacquer and smoke. Sweet in the mouth, spicy and a having a nice finish.

www.madeirawinecompany.com

Blandy's Bual 1977

2012-01-23T10:05:00.002Z

Clean, very clean indeed. Aromas like lacquer, iodine, dried fruits and curry are found. In the mouth we can find sweetness, balance and velvetness. It's also spicy. Beautiful finish!

www.madeirawinecompany.com

Blandy's Bual 1958

2012-01-23T10:04:00.000Z

Clean with an amber colour. Has aromas like dried fruits, hazel-nuts and pinne-nuts and curry. Very elegant mouth, silky and with a long and persistent finish. Give me more of this one!

www.madeirawinecompany.com

Bodega del Bendito - Dominio and Titan

2012-01-19T11:32:00.000Z

Bodega Domínio del Bendito was born in 2004 as a result of a Frenchman passion for wines and vineyards. After travelled the world searching for a spot in found it at Toro. His estate has a total of 28 hectares with 13 of vineyards.

Domínio del Bendito 2004 – 14,5%. Very fruity. Powerful. Good acidity. Fresh. Non aggressive tannins and really persistent. A nice example of what Toro region can give us. I really enjoyed.

Titan del Bendito 2005 – 15%. Clear and opaque. Good acidity, structure and persistence.

www.bodegadominiodelbendito.com

Tiago Cabaço and Monte dos Cabaços wine taste at São Rosas

2012-01-19T10:36:00.001Z

Mother and son showing their wines at her own restaurant in Estremoz (Alentejo).

Tiago Cabaço wines

. com 2010 - 13.5%. Made with a huge variety of grape varieties (Arinto, Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, Gouveio, Viognier, Encruzado, ...). Clean citrus color, very aromatic and vegetable. Average acidity and persistence.

. beb 2010 - Made with Arinto, Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, Verdelho and Viognier. Clean straw color but closed aromatically. Part of the wine was fermented in oak barrels. Good complexity in the mouth. Fresh. Orange blossom. Minerality. Slight tropical aroma. Unctuous. Vanilla. Butter.

. com Touriga Nacional / Syrah 2010 - 14%. Clean violet. Very violet. Crushed red fruits, cassis, blueberries and a slight raspberry aroma. Fresh with good structure and persistence.

. beb 2009 - Very aromatic. Crushed red fruit aroma. Good structure and acidity. In the mouth it’s noticed the presence of large chocolate and coffee. Good persistence.

Blog 2009 - 15.4%. Made with Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Very closed and low aromatic intensity. The fruit is very clean, fresh and powerful. Slight alcohol in the mouth. Good persistence. I like it.

Blog 2009 - 14%. Made with Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional. Clena fruit and great aromatic complexity. Black fruits and spices. Balanced and persistent.

www.o-vinho.com

Margarida Cabaço wines

Margarida 2009 - Clear straw color. Floral aromas, complex, with a slight resin. Little freshness and acidity. Persistent. Stage partial in oak barrels .

Monte dos Cabaços 2006 - Clean and opaque. Evolved balsamic aromas. Leather, smoked spices. Good volume in the mouth, structure and persistence.

Monte dos Cabaços Reserva 2005 - 14.5%. A very aromatic wine, very dark and glossy. Smooth. With good structure, acidity and finish. I like it.

Margarida 2008 - 14.5%. Made with Syrah and Viognier. Violet in color and very aromatic. Raspberries. High acidity, chemical and persistent.

Monte dos Cabaços 2002 - 14%. Berries and balsamic aroma. A wine that has good acidity and is structured with a good finish.

Quinta do Mouro wine taste

2012-01-17T21:44:00.000Z

Right in the center of Estremoz (Alentejo) there’s a vine which is harvested by hand and whose grapes are trodden in the winepress or fermenting vats. The wines, these, all of them pass through French and Portuguese oak barrels. This vineyard, from which came some of the best wines of the Alentejo belongs to Miguel Louro is planted in the well known Quinta do Mouro.

It was with great pleasure that for a second time I visited this estate where I had, once again, the opportunity to taste their portfolio.

Vinha do Mouro 2008 - 14%. Made with Trincadeira (50%), Aragonês (30%), Alicante Bouschet (10%) and Touriga Nacional (10%). Presents an aroma of wild berries, slightly balsamic and good complexity, acidity and volume in the mouth. Average persistence.

Casa dos Zagalos Reserva 2007 - 14%. Made with the same varieties Vinha do Mouro. Aged one year in used barrels. Clean garnet color, balsamic and spiced aroma (pepper). Firm tannins and good acidity. Fresh.

Quinta do Mouro 2006 - 14%. Made with Aragonês (40%), Alicante Bouschet (35%), Touriga Nacional (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Aged in new French oak barrels (80%) and Portuguese (20%). Very aromatic which highlights the intensity of the berries. Slightly candied fruit. On the palate is complex, with good volume and persistence. The soil shows its influence in this wine. Has round tannins. I like it.

Quinta do Mouro Touriga Nacional 2006 - 14.5%. The vineyards of this grape variety has its origins in Periquita. The soil is very poor consisting of rock and shale. Clean purple color. Complex aroma, floral, candied fruit, mint, chocolate. Fresh and round tannins. Good persistence.

Quinta do Mouro Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Clean ruby color. Strong aroma of peppers. In the mouth the peppers are also very evident and the tannins are alive. High acidity. Medium persistence. This isn’t my kind of wine.

Quinta do Mouro Rotulo Dourado 2007 - 14.5%. Aragonês (30%), Alicante Bouschet (45%), Touriga Nacional (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Strong ruby color. Very closed aroma. Large volume of the mouth where the black fruit looks very good. Slight pepper. Good complexity, volume and acidity. Great persistence. An amazing wine!

www.quintadomouro.com

Quatro Castas 2010

2012-01-13T22:32:00.000Z

This wine from Esporão has this designation because was made with four grape varieties: Aragonês, Tinta Miúda, Tinta Caiada and Alfrocheiro. Clear ruby color with hints of violet, aged six months in oak barrels and six months in bottle. Very fruity with a delicate and velvety structure. Medium persistence.

www.esporao.com

Vilaflor wines

2012-01-13T12:29:00.000Z

Dating from the late nineteenth century, Quinta da Peça is a 200 ha property situated in the Douro Superior which 60 has are for wine production. Despite producing wine since 1900 under the auspices of "Quinta da Peça" is now launching the brand "Vilaflor" in order to reach new audiences.

The Vilaflor 2009 of which about 80,000 bottles are presented with 13% was made with Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional grape varieties planted on the ground shale. Shows an aromatic profile of red fruits. In the mouth, it’s simple wine, discreet and balanced in order to please the most common consumer.

Vilaflor 2010 has only one production of 6,000 bottles. With 12.5% was made with the Malvasia Fina, Gouveio Rabigato and also planted in schist soil so characteristic of Douro valley. Shows a citric color, freshness and floral and fruity aroma. On the palate is well balanced and very mineral.

Biomanz wines

2012-01-06T16:42:00.002Z

Manz Cheleiros Dona Fátima Jampal2010

From Lisbonwine region it has 13% and was made with Jampal. It’s maybe one of the fewestproducers that use this grape variety. With 13% presents a yellow color and acomplex aroma of ripe tropical fruit, toast and flowers. We can also find heregood structure and acidity. Nice persistence.

Manz Cheleiros Pomar do EspíritoSanto 2009

From Lisbon wineregion it has 13% and was made with Aragonês, Syrah, Touriga Nacional andCastelão grape varieties. Presents a ruby color and a ripe red fruit withfloral hints aroma. Light spiced. Well balanced and having medium persistence.

Manz Contador de Estórias 2009

FromPenínsula de Setúbal wine region has 14% and was made with Touriga Nacional,Syrah and Petit Verdot grape varieties. It has ruby color and intense fruitynose. Floral and spiced. Good structure. The present and firm tannins are agood surprise as well as the balance between the fruit and the oak. Verypesistent.

Manz Douro 2009

14,5%.Made with Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. Intense ruby color with a violethalo. The nose reveals floral notes mixed with clear hints of berries. Floral.A very young wine, full bodied and structured. It has firm tannins and apersistent and spiced finish.

www.biomanz.pt

Quinta do Infantado 2004

2011-12-28T11:51:00.000Z

Quinta do Infantado is in Roseira family since the XIX century and have João and Cristina brothers managing it. Located in Gontelho, closed to Pinhão, Quinta do Infantado still use in their wines the traditional foot treading vats for vinification and stainless steel vats or oak barrels for storage.This wine from 2004 presents an intense ruby color with chocolate, ripe black fruit, coffee and spices aroma. Soft tannins, good integration of wood and a very persistent aftertaste.

Torre do Frade Reserva 2004

2011-12-28T10:28:00.000Z

Produced in Monforte (Alentejo) from Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês and Trincadeira grape varieties planted in schist soil aged 10 months in French and American oakbarrels and nearly one year in bottle.It features a garnet color and an intense aroma of black fruit, jam and hints of tobaccoand roasting.In the mouth it’s noted a certain balsamic profile, vegetable wrapped in a structuredand complex wine.Nevertheless we’ve some years after its launch to the market it evolved too quickly and bored me a lot with which its 15% not helping the set.

www.torredofrade.pt

Venâncio Costa Lima Moscatel de Setúbal 2008

2011-12-26T15:28:00.001Z

Very aromatic intensity. Orange and apricot aromas. Medium acidity and persistence but with too much alcohol and lack of structure.

www.venanciodacostalima.pt

Quinta Sardónia 2004

2011-12-26T12:43:00.000Z

A wine made by Peter Sisseck and Jerome Bougnaud with grapes from a vineyard planted between 700 and 800 meters high, about 400 meters from the Douro river. Made with Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. A scent where we find stark, blackberries and tobacco. On the palate we find spices and a set of black fruit on a full-bodied wine with firm tannins.

http://quintasardonia.com

VT'04

2011-12-26T12:40:00.000Z

Opaque and very alcoholic. Unbalanced. Despite having plenty of fruitthe amount of alcohol spoils the whole.

www.pvwines.com

Ícon d'Azamor 2004

2011-12-26T11:05:00.002Z

Clean and very fruity. Ripe black fruit and some chocolate. Good structure, acidity and persistence. Although I liked this wine, the same tired me after a while.

www.azamor.com

CEVD 1999

2011-12-26T10:53:00.000Z

Filled with aromas of ripe fruit and hints of pine. High acidity and someastringency.

Tinta da Ânfora 1991

2011-12-26T10:51:00.000Z

One of the Bacalhôa’s flagship brands. This wine from Alentejo shows upfull of soothing aromas and leather, smoked pine. With its 13.5% still shows agood acidity but is far from a structured wine. Hasseen better days.

www.bacalhoa.pt

Udaca 1994

2011-12-23T16:15:00.001Z

Clean. Balsamic aroma, leather. Shown with medium acidity and short aftertaste. Has seen btter days.

www.udaca.pt

2011 - The best of the year

2011-12-15T11:21:00.000Z

These are the best of the year for Art MeetsBacchus blog. They were simply impressive. Happy 2012 in our company.

AntoninoIzquierdo 2007 Vendimia Seleccionada
Barros Colheita1935 White
BurmesterColheita 1900
Burmester Colheita1940
Burmester Colheita1960
Bussaco White 2001
CasaFerreirinha Reserva Especial 1962
Caves Solardas Francesas Garrafeira 1968
Chambertin 2008
Dedicado 2004
Dúvida 2008
FMA Boal 1964
Graham's Vintage 1963
Initial Public Offer 2008
JH Andresen Harvest 1910
JMF Moscatel deSetúbal 1939
La Faraona2009
Mackenzie Sherry Amontillado
Mouchão Tonel3-4 2005
Pintas Vintage 2009
Quinta daFata Touriga Nacional 2009
Quinta do CrastoVinha Maria Teresa 2007
Quinta do JavaliOld Vines 2007
Quinta Nova deNossa Senhora do Carmo Grande Reserva Referência 2009
Taylor'svintage 1994
Taylor's Vintage2009

Quinta do Têdo wine taste

2011-12-14T16:50:00.000Z

"Wine ismade first in thevineyards with thegrapes and second during vinification.After that it's toolate, the wine the already as its own character."- Antonin Bouchard

Quinta do Têdois a property of XVIII centurywhich belongs to Vincent Bouchard, who, with his wife had a tradition of wine production in California and Burgundy.

The vineyards thatgive rise to wines from the Quinta are all classified as class"A".

Quinta do Têdo2008 - Aged12 m in oakbarrels. Ruby color, jam aromawith berries slightly crushed. In the mouthit’s quite dry, with alivetannins and good persistence.

Quinta do TêdoReserva 2006 - Cleanpurple color aged for 18 m in new barrels.Very closed aromasshowing some minerality. Earthy and evident tannins.

Quinta do TêdoGrande Reserva 2007 - a wine that aged 24 months in oakbarrel shows very extracted and alive tannins.Full of black fruit and a certain coffee aroma.

Quinta do Têdo Grande Reserva2009 – Opaque. Mineraland fruity expression.Cassis, coffee and lightjam. Aged 20m in oak barrels. Good acidity, dry and powerful.

Quinta do TêdoTawny - It hasbeen nearly seven years in cognacbarrels. Slightly reddish. Spicesaroma and oak browning. Very intense.

Quinta do Têdo10 years - Nice darkorange color. Very spicy (cumin). Unctuousand persistent. I like it.

Quinta do TêdoFinest Reserve - Verydark, fruity aroma. Balanced.

Quinta do TêdoLBV 2003 - Clean and full of fruit.Slight alcohol in the nose. Very young. Alive tannins. Glue,dried herbs, shale. Very powerful.

Quinta do Têdo Vintage 2007- Opaque, very close, flavors,vegetables, cassis. Wild plants, fruit, minerality and slate.Good acidity and persistence. I like it.

www.quintadotedo.com

Quinta das Hidrângeas 2007

2011-12-09T15:37:00.001Z

Produced right in the middle of Régua, this wine shows a light greenish color and an intense aroma with ripe fruit and tropical hints. Structure, freshness and a very dry finish. I like it.

Altas Quintas Mensagem de Aragonês 2005

2011-12-09T15:36:00.001Z

Planted at 600 m asl in Serra de São Mamede the vines of this wine made with Aragonês grape variety has a strong purple color and a very complex nose as well as an aroma of wild berries and spices. Mineral. The palate is velvety with very good structure and complexity and very good persistence. I like it. 14.5%.

www.altasquintas.pt

Caves Transmontanas wine taste

2011-12-05T23:22:00.001Z

Caves Transmontanas havebeen around since 1988 as a fusion result of Caves do Riba Tua e Pinhão and theCalifornia company Schramsberg Vineyards having as winemaker Celso Pereira.

They’vebeen making sparkling wine that has amazed most of the people that taste theirwines. If it matches the best chamapagnes? Hard to say because the organolepticcharacteristics of the two regions are different but that can often be mistakenthat there is no doubt.

VérticeCuvée 2009 - Clean with a blush pink color and citrus aroma. Made with Gouveio,Viosinho and Rabigato. Very floral and high acidity.

CC& CP Pinot Noir 2007 - Made with Pinot Noir from Bairrada and Douro. Reddishstraw color with butter and candied fruit aromas. In the mouth we find somepomegranate and quince stew. Good persistence.

Vértice Millésime 2007 -Degourgement made in September 2011 having matured for 36 months. A strawcolored wine with floral aromas and some minerality. Toast, bread, biscuits,freshness, fruity, full and persistent.

Vértice Gouveio 2005 -Degourgement in 2010. Fermented in old barrels. A very floral wine whereeverything is well integrated and the grape variety Gouveio performs at itsbest.

Vértice2009 - Clear straw color had cold skin maceration. Butter, tropical fruit andsome rancid aroma. Fermented in used barrels of 225 l. Good complexity.

Vértice2008 - Clear ruby color. Closed aroma but differ violet, orange blossom,blueberries. Fresh, slightly fruity, mineral. Quite complex and persistent.

Quinta do Quetzal Reserva 2008

2011-12-05T15:03:00.001Z

Quinta do Quetzal, owned by Inge and Cees de Bruin is located right near Vilar de Frades in Vidigueira. With its winery in circular form like that which, being of Roman origin and classified as the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, is situated half-wall to the estate.

This wine, produced from the grape varieties Petit Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet, which were planted on schist soils and fermented in new French oak barrels. The wine aged in barrels and in bottles. Garnet color with a touch of black fruit and herbaceous hints in the aroma. Some minerality. The palate is elegant with silky tannins but too much wood. Indeed too much wood.

www.quintadoquetzal.com

Quanta Terra project wine taste

2011-12-05T10:42:00.001Z

Quanta Terra it's project owned by Jorge Alves and Celso Pereira two distinguished wine makers from Douro valley who after while choosing soils, vineyards, exposure, varieties, ... chose Quinta do Tralhão to launch their wines.

Terra a Terra Reserva 2010 - Clean citrus color made with grapes from a vineyard situated 600 m2 of altitude planted in granitic soil. Many plants, lime, stone fruit. In the mouth it's slightly cool, mineral and slightly bitter burnt. High acidity.

Quanta Terra 2009 - Aged in new barrels of 500 l and one year in bottle. Presents a straw color and a floral aroma. Butter. Very mineral, good acidity, fresh and complex. In the mouth feel a slight bitter aftertaste. I like it.

Terra a Terra Reserva 2008 - A wine made with grapes from different altitudes and different areas of the Douro. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels. Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional. A very soothing wine, vegetable and with great persistence.

Quanta Terra Grande Reserva 2009 - Touriga Nacional and Soizão. Opaque and very closed. Violets, blueberries and orange blossom aroma. Fresh with good acidity and finish. Nice wine.

L'Origan Brut Nature

2011-11-30T15:26:00.001Z

Manuel Martinez produces L’Origan with his son Carlos right in the centre of Sant Sadurní, the capital city of the Cava region. His family as several square meters of underground cellars where the majority of the wines fermented in wooden barrels.

L’Origan Brut Nature is a sparkling wine made with Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada and Chardonnay that has aged 26 to 30 months in cellars. It has a clean straw color with a floral and fruit aroma. Nice persistence of the bubbles.

www.lorigancava.com

Cuvée Balthazar 2007

2011-11-30T11:52:00.001Z

Pierrick Harrang surprises me making this Syrah in the Languedoc. He doesn’t have any kind of land, castle or even vineyards. He only aslots experience which his family shared from generation from generation as winemerchants and oenologists. Here we've a densespicy wine coupled with violet, black fruit, blueberries andliqueur. Very elegant, fresh with somepepper in his mouth.Quite persistent. Ireally enjoyed.

www.phwine.fr

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Port wines taste

2011-11-29T15:45:00.001Z

I've already have spoken several times here about Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. This time the reason that this estate is back to AMB is a Port wine taste. Two LBV and two vintages.

LBV 2006 - Clean and fruity. Carob aroma, crushed red fruit (strawberries) and some roasting. Too much alcohol for my taste.

LBV 2007 - Clean and very complex. Chemical notes, fresh fruit, some vanilla and hints of balsamic. Very powerful on the palate with good firm tannins. Good persistence.

Vintage 2008 - Very closed aromas,firm tannins and well structured. Very powerfull,phenolic, hard and persistent.

Vintage 2009 - A wine that is still quiteclosed, but where we can feel the presence of wild berries, cassis. Very firmtannins. Large and persistent.

www.quintanova.com

José Peñín at Douro Valley

2011-11-27T18:24:00.001Z

José Peñín and Rui Lourenço Pereira at Douro Valley during a visit organized by Quinta Wine Guide.

The Vintage Port and its quality

2011-11-25T22:54:00.001Z

1900 - Very Good

1908 - Exceptional

1912 - Exceptional

1924 - Very Good

1927 - Exceptional

1931 - Exceptional

1934 - Very Good

1935 - Exceptional

1936 - Good

1937 - Good

1938 - Very Good

1940 - Very Good

1942 - Very Good

1944 - Good

1945 - Exceptional

1947 - Very Good

1948 - Exceptional

1950 - Very Good

1955 - Very Good

1957 - Good

1958 - Very Good

1960 - Very Good

1963 - Exceptional

1966 - Very Good

1967 - Good

1970 - Very Good

1975 - Very Good

1976 - Good

1977 - Exceptional

1980 - Very Good

1982 - Good

1983 - Very Good

1985 - Exceptional

1987 - Very Good

1991 - Very Good

1992 - Very Good

1994 - Exceptional

1995 - Very Good

1996 - Very Good

1997 - Exceptional

2000 - Exceptional

2001 - Good

2003 - Exceptional

2004 - Good

2005 - Very Good

2007 - Very Good

2008 - Good

2009 - Very Good

José Manso - the unknown master of viticulture

2011-11-23T23:34:00.000Z

One of the people who know more about Douro viticulture but who never appears in any showcase. Currently doing his job at Quinta de São Luiz and Quinta do Arnozelo also collaborates with ADVID - Wine cluster from the Douro Region which is currently its President.

Dona Berta Grande Escolha 2007

2011-11-22T13:03:00.000Z

One more producer from Douro valley that wine lovers won’t shrug. Hernâni Verdelho produces in its Quinta do Carrenho in the valley of River Côa wines with great personality and featuring well the origin of the soil where the vines are planted. This Grande Escolha is very close although we can find some gravel and pine needles aroma. Acidity with good presence, minerality and complexity. Good persistence. 14%

www.donaberta.pt

Bétula 2010

2011-11-22T11:20:00.000Z

Once again I taste Bétula through a sample sent by the producer. This Douro wine, harvest of 2010 results from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grapes which come from a granitic soil which vineyard, facing north, is located around 300 m of altitude. Part of the wine aged in new and used barrels. Presents a greenish color and tropical aromas. Mineral and nice has nice volume. Persistent wine. 12,5%

www.betula.pt

Wine and Soul wine taste

2011-11-19T23:00:00.000Z

Wine & Soul comes from the friendship that united Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva.

At the time Jorge worked with Dirk Niepoort at Quinta de Napoles and Quinta do Passadouro and Sandra divided between Quinta da Chocapalha (a estate that belongs to her parents near Alenquer) and Quinta Vale Dona Maria.

It all started in 2001/2002 when they started to buy grapes and at the same time acquired the warehouse to the Jorge's family. Wine & Soul located in Vale de Mendiz overlooking Pinhão River truly born at this time.

Two years later, in 2003, they bought 3 hectares of vineyards facing south where an old vine thrives with more than 30 grape varieties. This is a vineyard at low altitude with hotter soil so that they can monitor their longevity. In addition, with the aim of using the best grapes to make their wines, make a great selection of grapes in the vineyard and in the winery to not allow any entering of over ripe grapes in their wines.

Over the years already have 6 ha in total and in 2009 inherited the Manoella estate, a 60 ha property where we can find 14 ha of vineyards and 5 ha of old vines with more than 100 years. It was from this estate that came the new wine by Wine & Soul released with Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas 2009 name.

It's also noted that Jorge Serôdio Borges also owns a small share in Quinta do Passadouro, where in ancient times was with Dirk Niepoort wines as presented above.

Passadouro 2010 - Made with Old Vines in the region of Murça. Viosinho, Rabigato and Códega do Larinho. Fresh and citrus-scented fermented in stainless steel and aged 5 months in oak barrels. A wine with some vegetable character.

Chocapalha Reserva 2009 - Chardonnay (70%) and Viosinho (30%). Light straw color with tropical aromas. Mouth very creamy where the presence of tropical fruit and wood is noticed. Average persistence and acidity.

Guru 2010 - Made with Viosinho, Rabigato, Gouveio and Códega do Larinho. Clean citrus color with very fruity aroma. With aromas of fermentation, wild flowers and green apple. Having staged five months in oak barrels it's noted too the presence of wood in the mouth. Mineral and good persistence.

Guru 2007 - Clean citrus color and very mineral. A wine that has evolved slowly in the bottle showing us today a very young profile. Still doesn't show the fullness of its aromatic complexity. High acidity and elegant finishing.

Chocapalha Reserva 2008 - Here is a wine made with Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Syrah from a vineyard with natural Atlantic crisp, fresh and full of red fruit. After aged in French oak barrels for 20 months hass a good integration of wood in fruit. Acidity and tannins mark presence and reveals a good gastronomic character.

CH Touriga Nacional 2008 - We're in the presence of a wine that aged 18 months in new barrels and 2 years in bottle before leaving to the market. It features a ruby color with purple hints. Very cool appearing of Touriga Nacional with enough subtlety. A wine with good acidity and minty.

Passadouro 2009 - Having matured for 6 months in used barrels was prepared with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Old Vines. It features a ruby color with sweet tannins and very ripe fruit. Its Ph is very high.

Passadouro Reserva 2009 - Wine that has aged for 18 months in new barrels and used. An opaque purple color and full aroma of berries and very soothing. Barrels of medium toast well integrated with the fruit. Creamy. A wine that gives me enough pleasure for the complementarity of their organoleptic characteristics.

Pintas Character 2009 - This presents less closed and freshness. The fruit appears somewhat offset by candied despite high acidity. It was made with old vines.

Pintas 2009 - fermented with grapes which came from vineyards over 80 years. Very subtle red fruit, powerful tannins and very firm. The aroma is very close but we find many spices. Very persistent.

Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas 2009 - The latest release of Wine & Soul from their new property. Clear ruby color with purple hints. Aroma of coffee and some fruit but very close. A wine that is expected to evolve positively in the bottle because it currently doesn't appear to show its full potential. Elegant and with enough persistence. Let's see what will become of him.

Passadouro Vintage 2009 - A wine made with grapes from old vines like the Reserve. Very opaque with its ruby color. Full of red fruits, cassis and some balsamic notes. Very fresh and high pH. Very persistent.

Pintas Vintage 2009 - The grapes used for this wine had the same origin as those which gave rise to 2009 dots. Very dark fruit appearing in a subtle way seen to be well integrated with the wood. Spiced with plenty of rock rose aroma. Complex. A very nice wine.

Wine & Soul 10 years - A novelty. Wine & Soul released a tawny wine. This appears to be clean and brownish. Very rusty. Full of dried fruit and enough caramelized. Elegant, fresh, complex and slightly sweet. I like it. 2,000 bottles.

http://www.wonderfulland.com/wonder2006/wine/wineandsoul/indexwine_en.htm

Baton 2008

2011-11-18T11:26:00.001Z

14.5%. Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. Filled with clean fresh black fruit. Mineral and complex. With acidity and tannis. In my opinion just another Douro wine.

Altas Quintas 2010

2011-11-18T09:47:00.001Z

The Altas Quintas estate, based in Alentejo, has 256 h of area which includes 48 ha of vines, 80 ha of pine forest, 50 ha of orchards and 8 ha of olive groves. The vines includes mostly Trincadeira, Aragonês, Verdelho and Arinto although it as also some hectares of Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro, Shyraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.13% was made with Arinto and Verdelho. Clean citric color and tropical aromas. Peach and Acerola. Good acidity. Non endless finish.

This withe wine with

http://www.altasquintas.pt/

Arinto da Peceguina 2009

2011-11-18T09:39:00.000Z

14%. Clean citrus color, low acidity. Tropical aromas, medium body and persistence. I'm not convinced.

www.malhadinhanova.pt/

Quinta do Crasto Port Finest Reserve

2011-11-15T23:20:00.000Z

Another recent launch. Quinta do Crasto decided to do a Ruby Port. A Finest Reserve with an interesting appelation. Clean with a ruby color and lots of confit fruit somehow hearthy. Sweet aroma with light oxidation. Fresh and persitent.

www.quintadocrasto.pt

Quinta do Crasto Maria Teresa 2009

2011-11-15T23:05:00.000Z

This year Quinta do Crasto has decided to launch again Maria Teresa label and this was their first presentation. The 2009 it's a clean wine with a ruby color and has used 100% of brand new French and American wood during 20 months. Well balanced, with the fruit and the wood well integrated. Round. Very spicy with highlights to some pepper and fresh fruit. It has rape and direct tannis. It will won some elegance with time in the bottle. Very interesting.

www.quintadocrasto.pt

Wiese & Krohn wine taste

2011-11-15T00:26:00.001Z

Wiese & Krohn was founded by Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn in 1865. After several successions and shares Falcão Carneiro family acquired all shares of the company in the late 30s of last century maintained, however, the original name.

Wiese & Krohn's estate Quinta do Retiro Novo is located in Sarzedinho, a very small village in the Rio Torto valley and it's a class A property because of all the conditions of the estate, such as, altitude, sun orientation, quality of soil ...

The company today has a broad portfolio of products. Port wines in various styles, as well as table wines under the brand "Valtorto".

With about 5 million liters of wine in stock and average annual sales of about 1-1,5 M wine for markets such as France, Holland, Belgium, UK, Germany and Denmark.

The opportunity to sample their wines was given to me by Falcão Carneiro, the company's image which is a big fan of Port wine. On the premises, and along the quay de Gaia, where lies one of six warehouses that keep all the loot accumulated over decades and decades, the taste consisted of an overview of what makes this house one of the emblems of Port Colheitas.

Tasted several Colheitas such as 2001, 1997, 1991, 1987, 1983, 1978, 1967 and 1961. I've also taste 1964 Colheita White and the recent released to the market, the 2009 Vintage Quinta do Retiro Novo. Finally and by way of farewell I've also taste three astonish wines. A Reserve Port red and Reserve Port white, both of 1896 and a Reserve red of 1861.

I notice by curiosity that Wiese & Krohn has numerous wooden barrels with Memo (Latvia region)wood, some over 150 years where today wines evolve.

Krohn Colheita 2001 - Clean, cherry color. Confit aroma. Dried fruits, soft and with good complexity, acidity and persistence.

Krohn Colheita 1997 - Clean, caramel color. Slightly closed. Dried fruits aroma which includes some hazel. Good complexity, acidity and persistence.

Krohn Colheita 1991 - A very unique wine. Clear, amber orange color. Dried fruits aroma, citrus and a slight "vinagrinho" - in a wine with 20 years. A very fresh wine. I really liked.

Krohn Colheita 1987 - Clean, amber color. Many presencet of dried fruit in the aroma. Almonds, pine nuts. Complex and medium persistence.

Krohn Colheita 1983 - Clean, brownish color. A very balanced wine, full of freshness and with great presence of nuts in the aroma. Unctuous and persistent. Very good.

Krohn Colheita 1978 - Clean, amber color with great aromatic complexity where, as the profile of the company stand out nuts. Some citrus and good persistence.

With the 60's we entered in more complex wines.

Krohn Colheita 1967 - Clean, bright orange color. A wine with a slightly alcoholic smell where the presence of nuts and "vinagrinho" is very evident. Wine with high complexity and persistence.

Krohn Colheita 1961 - Clean with deep brown color. Very complex aromatically. Iodine, lacquer, resin, molasses, nuts and "vinagrinho" are clearly present. The palate is unctuous, honeyed, with excellent acidity and persistence. I really enjoyed.

Krohn White Colheita 1964 - This time a White Colheita, marked by high acidity. Dry, very dry. With an orange color and very aromatic. A profile that despite having plenty of nuts has become much more than the citric tawnies proven. With plenty of volume and freshness. And endless.

With regard to vintages only one has been proven, the 2009 Quinta do Retiro Novo, an almost opaque wine so dark it was. With plenty of black fruit and red fruit of which has a charm of something vegetable, perhaps some pips crushed when treading the winepress. With enough volume and tannins. Good persistence.

To highlight this wine taste at Wiese & Krohn was waiting for me a real surprise. The entry into a quasi-sacred space of the house, where holds the oldest heritage, where the smell of "vinagrinho" is all too evident, as well as the old wood that keep wines to suit you. These are products that make me walk always in search and search for wine as well, continuing to taste more and more, to deepen my knowledge. Describe wines isn't so easy because all the sensations that I witnessed at the moment are very close and almost indecipherable, but I'll make an effort to describe it all.

White Reserve 1896 - A wine with a strong aroma of hairspray, iodine, molasses and "vinagrinho." Very dark. Very fat, unctuous, honeyed but at the same time elegant, full of finesse and endless.

Red Reserve 1896 - This is a wine that already has some chemical notes but that is very similar to White, 1896.

To conclude, a Red Reserve 1863. Note that 1863 and 1896 were, respectively, the great years of Port (first and last) pre and post-phylloxera and I'm honored to have tasted them.

This Red Reserve 1863 is sublime wine. A wine with strong aromas of iodine, lacquer and "vinagrinho" With enough volume, but softly sweet. Elegant. The volatile acidity is evident but it has a tremendous depth.

www.krohn.pt

"Madeira - The Island Vineyard" and "Grande Reserva" - Two very recent releases related to wine in Portugal

2011-11-09T11:09:00.000Z

Two very recent releases related to wine in Portugal.

One, "Madeira - The Island Vineyard" which theme is Madeira wine, is a new edition now made by Emanuel (Mannie) Berk of Noël Cossart's book appears to be the "bible" of the subject. A book that speaks and describes everything that be want to know about Madeira wine.

The other one, by João Barbosa, a journalist who has devoted is career to issues related to agriculture and is the author of blogs as infotocopiavel, armorial and joaoamesa is book, "Grande Reserva" of history and stories, an overview of small treasures of Portuguese wine, among many different curiosities.

José Maria da Fonseca invitation to the Portuguese Wine Bloggers

2011-11-09T00:05:00.001Z

Another visit to José Maria da Fonseca. This time through the invitation to the Portuguese Wine Bloggers which includes Art Meets Bacchus. Azeitão and its wines have received this year several references here and once again will have some more.

The day began with a visit and an explanation by the company manager. We visited the House Museum and several wineries that they have. There proliferate countless barrels and barrels of table wine and moscatel.

After this visit was waiting for us a broad portfolio of company brands.

Quinta de Camarate Branco Doce, Branco Seco e Tinto. The whites ones, both from 2010 with substantial differences between them. The dry one with a more herbal profile and the sweet more tropical. As usual I prefer the profile with more acidity. Concerning the red wine from 2008, 20.500 bottles were produced. Noteworthy are the aromas of berries and medium persistence. A wine that comes from a blend of native and non- native grape varieties largely dominated by Touriga Nacional.

For the brand Pasmados, one of the oldest that the company has we had two wines from 2008: a white and a red. It should be noted that the Pasmados Branco is considered a Premium wine and the best of the white ones, although I think something must be done to present something to equip their red brothers. Not that I dislike the wine, but when we speak of their premium red wines is another level of quality.

It was also tasted in a comparative test a version of Verdelho and Verdejo. Many think they are the same grape variety but are far from being. We’re present with a drier and floral and other one more tropical and sweet. Its appearance isn’t also the same. One is greener and the other with a lighter straw color. Interesting experience.

Curiously, it was also the experience to traste Grand Noir grape variety, fermented in stainless steel, oak and carving. Aromas and flavors are very different than those we see. The most striking one was with no doubt the one fermented in carving, with strong aromas and flavors of truffles, mushrooms, olives and even carving, while the who had been fermented in stainless steel is much lighter overall. Aromas and flavors more subtle and less noticeable.

After these series of tastings was waiting for us a wine taste of premium red wines: FSF 2007, Periquita Superyor 2008, Domini Plus 2008 and J 2009. Wines with very different profiles diametrically opposed. However for the same purpose: to show the best that José Maria da Fonseca do in the Peninsula de Setúbal, in Alentejo and or Douro. All of them had previously been tested, but no doubt that the time in the bottle has changed made them all.

The four brands have a very dark shade of which Domini Plus highlights the purple color. Aromas and wild species in all of them and showing some balance. In J predominates the wood. The Domini Plus is which is more rustic. In this and in terms of the taste FSF pleases me a lot and Domini Plus isn’t my kind of wine.

That gets into the evidence of fortified wines. Wines that have their basis in the moscatel grapes or bastard and make José Maria da Fonseca one of the most iconic worldwide producers in the production of wines using these two varieties.

We start with Alambre 2007, an input range which are made almost 360,000 bottles. True shows the muscat grape with its golden color and citrus and caramel aromas. For those who can’t access the values of other wines here is a good choice of what constitutes Moscatel.

Then there was the possibility to compare Domingos Soares Franco Moscatel Private Collection which fermentation was stopped with Armagnac and Cognac. Two different strategies to promote Moscatel which may have their value. Personally I prefer to have the one with Armagnac. Less alcohol, more stark aromas and more persistence.

It was time to enter the precious wines that are made with Moscatel Roxo. We had the right to test a 2003 and a batch of 20 years. The first still has a reddish color with figs, apricots and many nuts aromas. Stylish, elegant, with great persistence. The second is how the producer says, the "quintessence." A wine with a hint of amber green color. Molasses and citrus fruits aromas. Honeydew and endless persistence.

In the finish there was the chance to sample wines from the Bastardo grape. A 30-year and two very recent. The wines from 2009 and 2011 have a pinkish color, aromas of lychee and pomegranate, and a very sweet taste. As for the bastard 30 years we’re talking about something completely different. A wine with a sharp topaz color and dried fruit and spices aroma. Unctuous, elegant with good acidity and long persistence.

Later, during lunch there was the opportunity to taste three wines from this producer. The Lancers Rose, a pink semi-sparkling wine, fresh and uncompromised. The Hezagon 2003, a blend which represents six generations of descendants of Mr. José Maria da Fonseca and as such uses six varieties in its composition: Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Trincadeira, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca and Tannat. Thus we have a deep purple wine with figs, violets, mint, smoked and some red berries aromas. Complex, full bodied and with good presence of wood. Good finish. Finally, a surprise. A Moscatel Superior 1955. A molasses-colored wine with iodine, resin, "vinagrinho" and figs aromas. In the mouth it’s very sticky, spicy and persistent. I noticed some burnt aftertaste but may have been only a feeling.

Gloria Reynolds wine taste

2011-11-02T23:01:00.000Z

Located just outside the boardlane with the Spanish province of Extremadura is Figueira de Cima estate. A 200 ha property owned by Julian Reynolds. It'ss here that are created cows, pigs and sheeps.

It's still producing cork and wine. Today the vineyard has 75% of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Aragonês and 25% of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. Has started producing wine in 2002 and now has 150,000 bottles made by Nelson Pinheiro and Paul Laureano's consultancy.

The wine that ages in wood use Seguin Moreauxs'.

Branco Real 2010 - 14%. Arinto and Antão Vaz. Clean color and very citrus aroma. Soft and balanced. Good persistence.

Julian Reynolds 2010 - 13.5%. Arinto. Clean citrus color. Orange blossom. Passion Fruit. Pineapple juice. Very aromatic. Good acidity. Soft but structured and persistent.

Gloria Reynolds 2009 - 13%. Aged 12m in 300 l barrels. Antão Vaz. Clean with a greenish color. Very complex aromatically. Lima, some vanilla and walnut. Good structure and balance.

Tinto Real 2006 - 13.5%. Alfrocheiro and Touriga Nacional. Clear ruby color and very aromatic. Red fruits and flowers. Smooth, balanced and average acidity.

Julian Reynolds 2006 - 13.5%. Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Aragonês and Syrah. Clear ruby color and very fruity. Plums, strawberries and slight balsamic. Presence aon non aggressive tannins. Good presence.

Julian Reynolds Reserva 2005 - 13.5%. Clear garnet color and very aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit, balsamic and slightly sweet aromas on the nose. Firm and direct tannins. Long aftertaste.

Gloria Reynolds 2004 - 13%. Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet. Clear ruby color slightly evolved. Ripe fruit. Jam, cherries and cherry brandy. Leather. Balsamic. Elegance, finesse, good acidity and persistence. I like it.

Robert Reynolds (fortified wine) 2005 - Clear ruby color. Fruity aroma which includes jam and candied fruit. Black olives and prunes. Balanced, soft and persistent. Almost a Port wine.

www.gloriareynolds.com

Making oak barrels for wine

2011-10-31T16:24:00.000Z

Source: Wine Anorak from Jamie Goode

Davos of Wine - Wine World Symphosium

2011-10-28T09:46:00.000Z

In the coming November, 10th to 13th will be held in Italy, more specifically in Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, one of the most important global meetings under the aegis of wine. It's so important that it's dubbed as Davos of Wine - Wine World Symphosium.

As the organization itself says is a high-level, global think-tank where the major actors from the world of fine wine come together to discuss and defend their interests and shared common goals, with a vision that is both prospective and multidisciplinary.

It comprises among many conferences and meetings a Sassicaia and a La Tache vertical.

It has as godfathers’ people like Alain Vauthier (Château Ausone), Aubert de Villaine (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti), Angelo Gaja (Gaja), Egon Müller (Weingut Egon Müller) and Pablo Alvarès (Vega Sicilia).

I may be wrong but I don't see any references to Portuguese speakers or any presence of Portugal. Why?

www.davosduvin.com/uk

António Saramago wine taste

2011-10-27T21:13:00.000Z

One of the most humble Portuguese winemakers allowed a taste of some of the wines of his life as well as the latest news of wines that do.

Risco 2009 - 13%. Made with Arinto and Fernão Pires. Clean citrus color slightly darkened. Floral aroma, some citrus fruits. Satin. Dry. Mineral. Good structure. Medium persistence.

Risco 2008 - 14%. Made with Castelão, Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira. Clear ruby color. Jam, ripe fruit, pine needles, spices and smoked aromas. Good acidity, firm tannins. Dry. Slightly bitter in the finish.

Risco Reserva 2009 - 14%. Made with Castelão, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. Clean and ruby color with violet hints. Complex aroma with some vanilla, peppers, dark chocolate and phosphorus. Volume, acidity and persistence. I like it.

António Saramgo Reserva 2009 - 14%. Made with Castelão and Alicante Bouschet. Clean with a dense purple color. Great aromatic intensity. Ripe fruit, cassis and chocolate aroma. Very dry and firm tannins and good structure. Pine needles. Good persistence. In the wake of "Escolha 2003".

António Saramago Reserva 2007 - 13.5%. Clean with a violet color. Floral aroma, leather and some spices. Cassis. It features firm tannins, high acidity and lots of persistence.

Antonio Saramgo Reserva 2005 - 14%. Clear ruby color. Ripe fruit aromas, leather, cocoa and currants. Good acidity, structure and finish.

António Saramago Escolha 2003 - 14%. Clean developed ruby color. Glossy fruit aroma. In the mouth we find an explosion of spices and pine needles. Marmalade. Very elegant and persistent. I liked a lot.

António Saramago Escolha 2001 - 14%. Made with Trincadeira, Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet and Alfrocheiro. Clear ruby evolved color. Raisins, smoked and mushrooms aroma. Already lost much of the acidity being at this moment a downturn.

Dúvida 2008 - 15%. Made with Grand Noir, Aragonês and Trincadeira. Clear ruby color and aroma of high quality fruit. Many berries. Vanilla. In the mouth we found a lot of complexity. Blueberries, cassis. Great persistence. It spent 24 months in new different barrels every 12 months. I really enjoyed.

Herdade do Porto da Bouga 2004 - 14%. Made with Touriga Nacional (50%), Touriga Franca, Trincadeira, Aragonês and Alicante Bouschet. Clean with an opaque ruby color. Spicy aroma. Filed tannins, soft and low persistence.

Tapada dos Coelheiros 1996 - An Alentejo wine icon. 13%. Made with Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aragonês. Clear ruby evolved color. Satin fruit aroma, leather and mushrooms. Very soft and elegant. Persistent. I like it.

Granja-Amareleja Garrafeira 1999 - 13.5%. Made with Moreto. Clean brownish color. Some satin aroma with leather, mushrooms, candied fruit. Still has some volume and acidity in the mouth. Medium persistence.

Quinta do Canto 1993 - 12.5%. Made with Moreto, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro, Aragonês and Alicante Bouschet. Clean, soft, elegant. Lacquer and candied fruit aroma. Persistent.

Terras de Suão 1992 - A surprise! 12.5%. Made with Moreto, Trincadeira and Aragonês. Clean brown color. Satin. Leather, truffles and mushrooms aroma. Balsamic. A wine with 19 years and still good enough.

Moscatel Superior 2007 - Clean, old orange aroma, honey and apricot. Some tangerine. Soft, oily and very persistent.

JMS Moscatel Superior 1993 - Clean with a dark orange color. Aroma of honey, dried fruit, dried apricot, orange peel, "vinagrinho", figs and nuts. Very elegant. Structured and long finish. I really enjoyed.

Monte da Ravasqueira wine taste

2011-10-26T23:46:00.000Z

Monte da Ravasqueira is a property of Mello family since 1942 and is situated close to the village of Arraiolos in the Alentejo wine region. Featuring 3000 ha only 45 are assigned to the wine production with an average height of 350 m above sea level. The different grape varieties planted in individual plots are made of different sizes and solar orientations. Currently produce about 600,000 bottles using new French oak barrels of 225 l for wines that carry wood. They're trying to achieve making wines similar to those made in the north of Cote du Rhône. We also found in the Monte Ravasqueira one of the largest collections of old private carriages.

Monte da Ravasqueira Rosé 2010 - 13%. Made with Alfrocheiro, Aragonês and Touriga Franca. Clean, salmon-colored fruit aroma. Lychees, fresh fruit, pomegranate. Medium acidity and a certain dry finish. The grapes had about 12 hours maceration.

Fonte da Serrana 2010 - 13%. Alvarinho, Viognier and Arinto. Clean citrus color. Aroma full of tropical fruit, pineapple and some lemon. Fresh, balanced and finish with average persistence.

Monte da Ravasqueira 2010 - 13%. Alvarinho, Viognier and Arinto. Clean citrus color. Intense. Aromas of tea, toast and citrus fruits. With volume and acidity.

Monte da Ravasqueira Flavours 2010 - 13.5%. Viognier. Clean with a slight straw color. Aged 6 months in wood. Aroma of vanilla and ripe tropical fruits. Full-bodied. The wood is superimposed on the fruit. Persistent. Let's see what the weather will do.

Calantica 2010 - 13%. Aragonês and Trincadeira. Clear garnet color. Very fruity young wine. Plums and strawberries. Dry and delicate tannins. Medium persistence.

Fonte da Serrana 2009 - 14%. Aragonês, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon. Clear ruby color. Full of ripe red fruit and some jam. Soft, structured and with good persistence.

Monte da Ravasqueira 2010 - 13%. Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonês, Trincadeira, Petit Verdot and Touriga Franca. Clear ruby color. Intense and full of prunes and blackberries. Light balsamic. Fresh and balanced.

Monte da Ravasqueira Vinha das Romãs 2008 - 14.5%. Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Franca. Clear garnet color. Very complex aromatically. Fruity. Some cranberry compote. Prune. In the mouth we found a structured wine with balance and firm tannins. In my opinion needs some more time in bottle. 30,000 bottles.

Ravasqueira Flavours Petit Verdot 2008 - 14%. Clean garnet color with great opacity. Very complex. Cherries, blackberries and spices. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels. In the palate with find good acidity and volume. Persistent.

MR Premium 2007 - 14.5%. Alicante Bouschet (60%), Syrah (30%) and Petit Verdot (10%). Garnet color. Very intense and complex aroma. Blackberries, blueberries, cherries. Finesse. Great structure and acidity. Interesting! Do we have here an Alentejo wine to age 15 or 20 years?

http://www.ravasqueira.com/

Madeira - an Island with a wine history

2011-10-26T14:14:00.000Z

The history of Madeira Wine began at Napoli di Malvazia not far away from Sparta which wine from this region was very famous in the Middle Age. Nevertheless it disappears and it was found at Candia vineyards in Crete Island were they were exported since the XV century to Madeira Island. This trade was lead by Italy (Venetia) however this “spot” was very desired by other countries such as England, Netherland, Northern Countries between others.

Discovered in 1418/9 by João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrello a quarter of a century later, Madeira Island already produces good wine as it was said by several sailors that pass throw the island at D. Henrique Infant (the so called discover age founder) service.

(Malmsey)

In this microclimatic region the vineyards are mainly found in the south of the Island with sunny landscapes in places such as Câmara de Lobos, Campanário, Estreito and Ponta do Pargo. Later we’ll find vineyards in Porto Santo Island.

The soils are volcanic and balsamic which give an high acidity and a predisposition to ageing and the vineyards as in Douro Valley are planted in plots which were braved open by thousands workers during the centuries.

This new wine region was shown to the English people as great place to fight the Venetian monopoly and first exportation to Europe was in 1515 to Francisco I courts in France.

(Bual)

However only in XVII century that their production was improved caused by sugar cycle declination and it was considered one of the most expensive and appreciated wines in the world. Duke The Clarence hang in London Tour prison with death sentence choose to be sunk in Madeira wine!!! In XIX century was the finest wine in the European courts where was also used as perfum. Shakespeare made also a reference to Madeira wine in Henry IV argument.

When in 1852 and 1872 plagues such as oidium and phylloxera appear and threat the wine production many thought that was the end of one the best wines but some expertises which were able to travel around the world made some crosses with qualities and types of vines and they managed the survival of Madeira wine industry and also in those years of Madeira Island.

Although we can find more than 30 different grape varieties in Madeira we can say that Madeira wine production is around 90% made with Tinta Negra Mole grape variety and 10% with the noble grapes which are Malvasia, Boal, Verdelho and Sercial. We can also say that Terrantez, Moscatel and Bastardo are important grapes.

(Verdelho)

They have their origins in:

Malvasia - Crete Island
Boal - Bordeaux (France)
Verdelho – unknown region
Sercial - Riesling (Germany).

Malvasia is very aromatic with a red brown color and is very sweet. Should be drink during the dessert or between meals.

Boal is usually half sweet, full of aroma and flavor and should be used between a roasted meet and the dessert.

Verdelho we can say that this kind of grape variety is half dry with a bouquet of almonds and with a gold color.

Sercial is the driest one with an amber color and should be drunk as an aperitif.

Madeira wine appeared without any conscience as we know nowadays. When the exporters put the barrels on the ships to transport them to other countries such as India or Hong Kong they hadn’t the idea that the transport of it will transform all the content of the barrels. The high temperatures that they used to caught crossing the equator would give the wine other conditions and the flavor would be completely different. As a sauna the wines were subjected to a treatment, nowadays called hot houses (estufas) that award them with other characteristics and a more delicate flavor.

(Sercial)

The Madeira wine companies use two processes to produce fine wine: Canteiro and Estufa. The first one is a process which after the fermentation the barrels are supported by wood putted two or three hands above the soil, after what the treatments are made. In the second process the wine is placed through high temperatures around three months, process this which aged the wine quickly. This second process is the so called traditional way of making Madeira wine. The alcohol (cognac) addicted in the different fermentations, depending on the dryness or sweetness, is a minimum of 96%, a alcohol graduation varies between 17 and 22% of volume and the sugar between 0 and 170 grams per litre.

The so called “Borracheiros”, people used to carry the grapes from the vineyards to the mills. The “Coopers” whom where the people who still nowadays make the casks where the wine is kept and the producers whom the main ones are: Artur Barros & Sousa, Lda., Henriques & Henriques Vinhos, S.A., H. M. Borges Sucrs., Lda., Madeira Wine Company, S.A., Pereira D’Oliveira (Vinhos), Lda., Silva Vinhos, Lda., Vinhos Barbeito (Madeira), Lda. and Vinhos Justino Henriques, Filhos, Lda.

Photos source: http://www.madeirawinecompany.com/

Taylor's vintage 1994

2011-10-26T11:34:00.000Z

This wine will be forever marked by the stigma of having 100 points in Wine Spectator magazine, as such, no one ever can say bad things about it. Could possibly like more other brand or wine rather this one speak about that is ... forbidden. I belong to that group that like the complexity of this wine, its elegence, depth and intense bouquet but if I could choose I'd choose Taylor's 1992. What can I say...

Taylor's vintage 1977

2011-10-26T10:41:00.000Z

The year in question has given us wines full of character. This is no exception. This wine of Taylor's shows himself in his splendor. Spicy, oily and persistent. Great!

www.fladgatepartnership.com

Fonseca 40 years old tawny

2011-10-26T10:17:00.000Z

One of the dryest tawnies that I know. A complex tawny blend which average is 40 yo. Clean with an amber color and dried fruits aroma. Complex, spicy and persistent. Powerfull.

www.fladgatepartnership.com

Fonseca Vintage 1985

2011-10-26T10:01:00.000Z

From one of the main Port wine brands, this Fonseca 1985 with 26 yo, is wonderfull. Clean with a rosed color and satin aroma. Spices, dried fruits and some pommegrenate. Oily and peristent. Very nice indeed.

www.fladgatepartnership.com

Romariz Vintage 2000

2011-10-26T09:55:00.000Z

Very interesting wine from an iconic year. Very spicy with the presence of candied fruit and almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts. Though still a bit closed, it seems apparently to be evolving well. We shall see its future.

www.fladgatepartnership.com

Croft 20 years old

2011-10-26T09:39:00.000Z

Being almost unknown compared with Taylor's or Fonseca, Croft Port sometimes suprises us with beautiful wines. This time is a 20 yo with an aromatic intensity very interesting. Lots of dried fruits (mainly hazelnuts), vanilla and raisins. Oily and persistent.

www.fladgatepartnership.com

Quinta de Arnozelo Vintage 2009

2011-10-25T21:33:00.000Z

First single quinta vintage lauched by Quinta de Arnozelo. Made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Souzão. Clean and very opaque violet color. Full of fruit, large and with good persistence. Firm tannins and delicate features. A vintage ready to drink.

www.sogevinus.com

Blandy's wine taste

2011-10-25T14:29:00.000Z

Malmsey 1994 - Clean brown color. Sweet, soft and medium persistence. Still reluctant to like "malmsey" style.

Bual 1980 - Clean dark orange color. "Vinagrinho", lacquer, iodine and candied orange. High acidity, hot, powerfull and very persistent.

Bual 1991 - Clean amber light. "Vinagrinho" aroma, dried fruits and spices. Persistent.

Verdelho 1984 - Brand new launch. Clean with a brownish color. Dried fruits, nuts and pine nuts aroma. Dry and persistent. Very interesting.

Verdelho 2000 - Clean with a caramel color. Somehow citric aroma with dry apricot, pine nuts and orange. Good acidity and great persistence.

Sercial 2001 - Clean with an amber color. Dried fruits aroma, almonds and walnuts. Very dry and persistent palate.

Bual 10 years - A blend! Clean brown color. Dried fruits, nuts, lacquer and resin aroma. The palate is well balanced. Round. Good finish.

Photos source: Blandy's website

www.madeirawinecompany.com

A real (wine) tragedy!

2011-10-23T17:48:00.000Z

In Sheboygan (Wisconsin) the owner witnesses a shelf lieing on the ground 6,810 bottles. I can imagine the damage ...

Burmester Touriga Nacional 2009

2011-10-20T22:33:00.000Z

14%. Clean with a very dense color. Complex but full of fruit. In the mouth it presents a very interesting bouquet, greedy and then very balanced and structured. Fresh. The grapes came from vines with 17 to 25 years old and aged 12 months in French oak barrels. 5000 g.

www.sogevinus.com

Eduardo Viotti (Vinho Magazine owner)

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000Z

Rui Lourenço Pereira and Eduardo Viotti at Douro Valley during a visit organized by Quinta Wine Guide

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo wine taste

2011-10-20T09:33:00.000Z

Grainha Reserva 2010 - 13.5%. Made with Viosinho, Gouveio, Rabigato and Fernão Pires. Clean citrus color, toasty aromas and citrus fruits. Used wood of 1st and 2nd years. Balance, acidity and persistence.

Pomares 2009 - 13.5%. 20,000 bottles. Made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. Ruby color with little opacity, aroma of red fruits. In the mouth it is soft, with good fruit. Medium acidity and persistence.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Colheita 2010 - 13%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão Clear ruby color and complex aroma. Red fruits, spices and pine needles. Soft, dry, with good persistence.

Grainha Reserva 2009 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Clean and ruby color. Aroma of red fruit jam. In the mouth the taste of spices stands and pine needles. Good persistence. Typically a Douro wine. I like it.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Reserva 2008 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela. Clear ruby color with garnet hints. Complex aroma of red fruits and chocolate. Living tannins, good acidity and long finish. An evolving wine.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Reserva 2009 - 14.5%. Clear ruby color with some density. Very aromatic. Cool, dense and full of black fruit in the mouth. Persistent.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Grande Reserva Touriga Nacional 2009 - 14.5%. Clean violet color. Red and black fruits aroma. Chocolate. Soft, smooth. Having good deal of lips stand out notes of tobacco. Quite persistent. I like it.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Grande Reserva Clássico 2009 - 15%. Made with Touriga Nacional and Old Vines. Clean and dense. Great aromatic complexity. Black and red fruits. Presence of balsamic notes. Mint. High acidity, firm tannins and good structure. Long finish. I like it.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Grande Reserva Referência 2009 - 15%. Made with Tinta Roriz and Old Vines. Clear ruby color. Complex and very fruity aroma. Spices, pine needles and some balsamic notes. Elegant, structured with plenty of black fruit in the mouth. Persistent. I like it.

Clã Special Reserve - A new launch from this producer through a clean wine with ruby color and sweet aroma. Candied red fruit. Soft, fresh and medium persistence.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Ruby Reserve - clean ruby color slightly evolved. Candied fruit and jam aroma. Sweet. Medium acidity. Persistent.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo LBV 2006 - nice ruby color and great aromatic intensity. Red fruits. Fresh, with good acidity and medium persistence. Too much alcohol.

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Vintage 2009 - Clean and opaque ruby color. Very aromatic. Many red fruits and some balsamic notes. On the palate the presence of some black fruit is very prominent. Very high acidity, firm tannins and great persistence.

www.quintanova.com

Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (William Fevre)

2011-10-19T21:35:00.000Z

12%. One of fewest Burgundy wine makers that produce wine with Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. Clean citric greenish color. Strong vegetal aroma. The palate is fresh, mineral and persistent. Nice.

www.williamfevre.fr

Pilheiros Grande Escolha 2007

2011-10-19T21:04:00.000Z

14%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Old Vines. Clear ruby color and aroma totally dominated by wood. With effort we can find some red fruit and berries. In the mouth the picture is the same: Wood, Wood, Wood! Very tannic. Who's buying it to drink??

www.francoislurton.com

Selected Azamor Vines 2005

2011-10-19T21:00:00.000Z

Made with Alicante Bouschet (60%) and Syrah (40%). Aged 12 m in French and American oak barrels. Ruby color with garnet hints. Red fruits and balsamic aroma. Some dark chocolate. Very rustic in the mouth. Persistent.

www.azamor.com

Save Miguel, please! There's someone out there who'is trying to destroy it.

2011-10-18T22:00:00.000Z

Quinta de Lemos wine taste

2011-10-15T21:08:00.001Z

Quinta de Lemos is located in the heart of the Dão wine region and is owned by Mr. Celso Lemos. It has 60% of Touriga Nacional, 20% of Tinta Roriz, 10% of Jaen and 10% of Alfrocheiro on the vineyards planted. Currently removes about 4 tons of grapes per hectare. Its philosophy is based on the production of varietal wines.

Quinta de Lemos 2008 - 14.5%. Clear ruby color, intense, full of berries, raspberries, blueberries, cassis. Good acidity, volume, balance. Good persistence. I like it.

Quinta de Lemos Dona Georgina 2008 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional. Clean violet color. Delicate and subtle aroma is dominated by violets. High acidity and firm tannins. Black fruit standing out on the palate. Long finish. I like it.

Quinta de Lemos Jaen 2007 - 14.5%. Clear ruby color with garnet hints. Intense, complex. The aroma of pine needles is highlighted. Shortly concentrated yet elegant. Well noticed the presence of tannins. Persistent.

Quinta de Lemos Touriga Nacional 2007 - 14.5%. Clean violet color. Complex aroma, balsamic, cassis. The palate is very muscular, bulky and with good integration of wood. Extracted. Creamy. Long aftertaste.

Quinta de Lemos 2007 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro. Clear ruby color. Very aromatic with black and red fruits. Average volume, fine, elegant and with a long finish.

Quinta de Lemos 2007 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional. Very floral, toast, black fruits, spices (black pepper and cloves). Very balanced, complex. Good persistence. I like it.

Quinta de Lemos Tinta Roriz 2006 - 14%. Clear ruby color. Coffee aroma and some balsamic hints. Slim, elegant and with good persistence. I like it.

Quinta de Lemos 2005 - 14.5%. Made with Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. Clear ruby color and floral aroma. Blueberries and cassis are also present in the aroma. Good acidity, balance and elegance. Very dry indeed.

www.quintadelemos.com

Dalva wine taste

2011-10-12T11:05:00.003Z

Gran Cruz Group which C. da Silva is part of is bottling about 120,000 bottles per day. Currently has a stock of 10 M bottles of Port wine (75 cl) and 25 M bottles of Port, Madeira and others (20cl). Having started operations in 1975 only in 1989 have produced their first Vintage. So far I haven't seen any producer who has in his possession so many stainless steel tanks of 350,000 liters as here.

Dalva Sunrise 2010 - 12.5%. Clean with very intense aroma of ripe fruit, pineapple and some citric background. Good acidity and ending with some persistence. A summer wine.

Dalva Sunset 2010 - Similar to "Sunrise" but mostly citric and with a remarkable presence of wood.

Dalva White Reserve - Clean dark yellow color. Complex aroma, oxidized. With notes of orange and apricot. The palate is quite complex, with structure, acidity, some apricot notes and good persistence.

Dalva Dry White 10 years old - Clean with a dark orange color, closed aroma. Has good acidity and orange flavor and walnut skin. Complex and persistent.

Dalva Dry White 20 years old - Clean, bright orange color with notes of orange peel and dried apricot. Slightly oxidized. Good acidity and persistence.

Dalva "Miguel Castro e Silva" - Clean with a very bright orange color. Oxidized flavor. A soft wine with taste of candied orange and persistence. Too sweet.

Dalva LBV 2005 - Clear ruby color with good aromatic intesity. Ripe fruit and jam. Long aftertaste.

Dalva Ruby Reserve - Clear ruby color. Very fruity aroma and some smoked tobacco. Appears to be quite sweet, with plenty of fruit and some notes of pine needles. Persitent.

Vintage 2007 - Clear dark ruby color. Fruit jam, chocolate and some pine needles aroma. Living and firm tannins. Good acidity. Very persistent. I like it.

Tawny Reserve - Clean with a rosy red color. Satin and candied fruit aroma. It has about 10 years. Slight lacquer, good entry of mouth and high acidity. Full of candied fruit in the mouth. Persistent.

Dalva Golden White 1963 - Clear amber color. Great aromatic complexity. Apricots, dried apricots, walnuts and light hazelnuts. On the palate is very soft and intense. Finish with great persistence. Excellent!

Dalva Golden White 1952 - Clear caramel color. Complex, lacquer, candy and lots of "vinagrinho" in the aroma. Beautiful mouth. Balanced. Persistent. Excellent!

Dalva 20 years old - Clean with an orange aging color. Candied fruit, apricot and dried orange aroma. Good acidity, full of dried fruit and apricot in the mouth. Elegant and persistent. I like it.

Dalva Colheita 1995 - Clean reddish orange color. Complex aroma and full of nuts. It presents a pleasant taste, elegance and persistence.

http://www.cdasilva.pt/

Gravato 2004

2011-10-11T09:29:00.000Z

14%. Made with Touriga Nacional. Cloudy and full of deposit. Very dark. Violets and berries aroma. In the mouth has an intense flavor of wild berries, blackberries, raspberries and some sour cherries. Medium acidity and short finish.

www.gravatoqb.pt

Esporão Reserva 2009

2011-10-11T09:22:00.000Z

14.5%. Clear with an evolved straw color. Very luscious and crispness tropical aroma. In the mouth the wood outweighs everything that could exist. Too much alcohol. Dead. A real disappointment.

http://www.esporao.com/

Casa do Douro 1964

2011-10-06T14:52:00.000Z

Clean brownish color. Burnt caramel, nuts, resin and some nuts aroma. On the palate the flavors are very similar to the aroma. Dry. Persistent.

Moscatel Roxo Superior 1971

2011-10-06T14:26:00.000Z

A true elite wine. Clean ambar color slightly orange. Very thin and elegant aroma with sultanas, honey, dried apricot and orange peel. The palate is very balanced. Structure, acidity, elegance. Very oily. With a distinct flavor of "vinagrinho." End of great persistence.

http://www.jmf.com/

Blandy's Bual 1964

2011-10-06T13:13:00.000Z

A magnificent wine from Madeira. With all the features that are inherently like a strong aroma of lacquer and varnish, "vinagrinho" and nuts. Very complex. The palate is a proliferation of flavors. Figs, dried apricots and pine nuts. And what great persistence! Great, great wine.

http://www.madeirawinecompany.com/

Bastardinho 30 anos

2011-10-06T13:11:00.001Z

A rarity since the vineyards from which they originate have all been plucked. If you can buy it bedore it disappear do it because it's a wine of excellence. Clean amber color. Very complex aroma of candied orange, dried fruits and varnish. In the mouth is a very seductive wine with an above-average acidity and great persistence.

http://www.jmf.com/

Graham's 40 years

2011-10-06T13:09:00.000Z

A reference! A wine full of personality. Clean caramel color. Aroma of nuts, lacquer and resin. The palate shows great complexity of flavors with a vibrant acidity and high persistence.

http://www.symington.com/