by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Douro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal
Dow’s, Porto, Vintage 2007 This baby of a Port smells of sweet black fruits, oranges, candied berries, a notion of flowers and the spirit that fortified it. In the mouth it is dense yet already smoothing out, approachable with a silky character, very much so...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Fortified dessert, Napa Valley, Port
Prager, Napa Valley, Noble Companion, Tawny Port You’ll find golden raisins, dates, nuttiness and a sense of the spirit in the nose – but more than that. The fruit character is citrussy, like oranges stuck with cloves and drizzled with brandy in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2009 | California, Fortified dessert, Napa Valley, Port, Tawny Port
Belo, Napa Valley, Vintage Tawny Port, Tinta Isabella 1996 The nose is pruny and spirtitous with some volatility. The mouth shows lots of caramel and nuttiness, like crunching up some almonds, wrapping them in milk chocolate and basting them with caramel. It’s...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Fortified dessert, Port, White Dessert
This summer we met with proprietor Peter Prager at the family winery in St. Helena. If you haven’t been there you must stop by for a visit if you’re a fan of the wines of the Douro. The Pragers have specialized in Port since they started the winery in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 7, 2009 | Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Tawny Port
Niepoort, Porto, 10 Years Old, Tawny, nv Caramel and spirit entwined, with nuts and a nice thread of acidity. The RS is 106.3 grams per litre. Produced and bottled in Porto 20% $19.99 at Bottle Barn for a 375ml and $37.99 for a 750ml bottle. Niepoort...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 7, 2009 | Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal
Dow’s, Porto, Vintage 2003 Black fruits and brandy mark the nose, in the way that you would expect. In the mouth there is the trademark flavor that always reminds me of linzer torte. This is still a baby but a view of it at this point shows a nice integration of the...
