Aphros Super-Reserva Bruto Vinhão NV
A garnet-hued, frothy vixen of a wine, the Aphros Sparkling Vinhão Super-Reserva delights with ultra-earthy, pungent funk, and juicy black plum notes forming a concise bridge between nose and palate. Bright acidity cuts through layers of pruney deliciousness, the finish is brisk and short very much about black tea tannin and dried herbs. At 12.0% […]
Anselmo Mendes Curtimenta Alvarinho 2013
From Anselmo Mendes, the 2013 Curtimenta Alvarinho is a lesson in the aging potential of Vinho Verde whites. Fermentation starts on the skins, the grapes are then pressed into large format barrels to age for 9 months. Post bottling, Curtimenta is further aged in bottle for one year, all of which translates in the body […]
Aphros Loureiro Reserva Bruto 2009
Deep gold, like burnished gold leaf, the Aphros Loureiro Reserva Bruto 2009 boasts an oxidative quality that reminds me of Jacques Selosse Champagnes. Decidedly autumnal aromas of baked apple and poached pear are enlivened by a dried orange top note. In the mouth, it’s all soul and soil, sensually earthy layers and leesy wet dough […]
Aphros Loureiro 2014
Citrusy, spritely, aromatic orange loveliness. Orange blossom, mandarin oranges, wet stones. On the palate, Aphros Loureiro 2014 is equally enchanting, softly-textured with delicate silvery mineral filaments weaving in and out of kumquat-and-lemon-pith acidity. It’s round and moderately sweet, with 4.80 g/L RS along with a surprisingly persistent finish. I could drink this all day. 11.5% […]
Quinta de Covela Escolha Branco 2013
Tasted at Covela’s historic estate—a Renaissance manor that sits frozen in time, poised at the mouth of the Douro Valley, along a southern-facing amphitheater robed in lush greenery. The 2013 Escolha Branco is a blend of Avesso and Chardonnay, with a few years of age, offers perfumy aromas of dried honey and orange blossom. Barrel […]
Quinta do Noval Quarenta Anos 40 Year Old Tawny
Sampled at Noval’s tasting room in Porto, the Noval ‘Quarenta Anos’ 40 Year Old Tawny is translucent and brickish, replete with developed notes of dates, Dalmatia fig spread, dried apples, aged leather, and warm wicker. In the mouth it’s viscous and full, more so than Noval’s Colheita, it’s the acidity that really brings this Port […]
Herdade do Esporão Esporão Reserva 2013
A brawny, if slightly gamey and wild blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 Esporão Reserva Tinto is all plums, spice, vanilla and earthiness. In the mouth, it really shows it’s heft, with equal doses of tart sour cherry and raw cranberry-esqe acidity dowsed in firm tannins and a bit of […]
Quinta de Gomariz Vinho Verde Grande Escolha 2015
A refreshing blend of Loureiro, Alvarinho and Trajadura, QG or Quinta do Gomarez’s Grand Grande Escolha 2015, expresses fleshy peach and pear, flavors that are brightened by leaner notes. A citrus and mineral-saline edge, especially on the finish, endows this well-crafted Vinho Verde with a more serious edge. 6.0 RS 11.5% ABV | Sample Quinta […]
Herdade do Esporão Douro Assobio Quinta dos Murças 2013
From the Douro, this classic blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca offers up earthy, and slightly rustic with aromas of dusty earth, plums, black cherries, aged leather, and cocoa powder. Grippy tannins are the predominant feature, reigning in black fruit. The finish is long, ushered in by noticeable acidity that takes flight […]
Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011
Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port remains in wood for four to six years, as such, it is concentrated and intense, round and deliciously full-bodied. 2011, for me, has been one of the most exciting vintages I’ve tasted, it’s one I’m collecting and cellaring, though the ’11s are certainly enjoyably now. Taylor’s 2011 LBV is totally […]