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Aphros Super-Reserva Bruto Vinhão NV

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

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

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

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

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 de Gomariz Vinho Verde Grande Escolha 2015

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 […]

Orlana Vinho Verde Rosé NV

Orlana Vinho Verde Rosé NV

The color of watermelon Jolly Ranchers. Interestingly, it tastes like a combination of green apple and watermelon Jolly Ranchers too, this character can be felt especially in the finish, where it liberally coats the back-palate just like the candy. On sale for $7.98 at Whole Foods, not recommended. 10.0% ABV | Sample 8.4 Points

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com