Tasty, young and organic – a win-win-win situation… Altano Organic Red 2014, Douro, Portugal (£9.99 Waitrose, Bordeaux Cellar, Davy & Co, Luso Wines, Fenwicks, Tanners) A juicy, plump youngster, brimming with dusty warm berry, blackcurrant and violet flavours backed up by vanilla and wild herbs, but with a streak of […]
Touriga Nacional
Tons de Duorum Red 2014, Douro, Portugal (£8.90 Tanners) Young, juicy style, fleshy berry to the fore, notes of liquorice, vanilla and herby in the background. Should appeal to Argie Malbec fans. B+ Ramos Reserva 2014, VR Alentejano, Portugal (£6.99 Majestic) A plusher, plummier wine than the above, still spicy, […]
Two reds from Portugal
Quinta Nova Vintage Port 2013, Portugal (N/A in the UK) Has the heady aromas of a port quinta at vintage time, but while the essence of blackberry essence and liquorice ooze from the glass, I miss the perfumed notes, and there’s also a slightly green edge to the tannin. Good […]
Quinta Nova Vintage Port 2013, Portugal
Altano Quinta do Ataíde Douro Reserva 2011, Portugal (£12.50 Halifax Wine Company, Cambridge Wine Merchants, vintagemarque.com, Hoults, Bodnant Welsh Food, Wined Up Here, The Jolly Vintner, Cheese at Leadenhall) Polished, confident style, with herb-infused dark plum and blackcurrant flavours and a touch of spice, rich but never too large, powerful […]
Three Douro Reds
Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port, Douro Portugal (£15.70 Planet of the Grapes, New Street Wine Shop, Cambridge Wines) Gentle, soft, juicy style, round and mellow with a wealth of plummy berry and damson flavour and warming spirit giving it some fire in its belly. Maybe a touch simple but very […]
Fortified wines – Port & Madeira
Château des Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé 2013, France (£15.99 Bibendum, TheDrinkShop.com) A previous bottle of this was extremely awkward and pongy, like it was having a really bad hair day (see here). This one – tasted just a fortnight later – was better. There’s still a light sulphury whiff […]