by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2009 | Port, Portugal, Tawny Port
Dow’s, Porto, 10 Year, Tawny nv The nose features caramel, toasted notes and quite a spiritous character. In the mouth the wine is lusciously sweet, the alcohol is integrated and the nuts and caramel carry a long time. Bottled by Symington Family Estates in Oporto 20%...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2009 | Port, Portugal
Taylor Fladgate, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2003 The new release is available to us and it shows the characteristic pruny and stewed fruits in the nose. In the mouth there is a sense of the alcohol as well as chocolate and cherry flavors. The price has really moved...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 13, 2009 | Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Tawny Port
Dow’s, Porto, Boardroom, Reserve Tawny nv In the nose there is caramel and overt alcohol. In the mouth the same follows through though the often tolerated burn is a bit too much given the rather light concentration of flavor. Bottle by Symington Family Estates...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 2, 2008 | Portugal, Vinho Verde
Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco When you smell this wine you get a sense that it is aging quickly and starting to tire. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. Thus it’s not as fresh and clean as the example...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2008 | Douro, Portugal, Tempranillo, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
Quinta dos Quatro Ventos, Douro DOC 2005 The smell is a mix of black fruits, brambles and earth. In the mouth there is minerality and tart fruit, the acidity making this great with roasted meats. At the same time, there is an integrated oaky richness and a sense of...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 9, 2008 | Albariño, Galicia, Portugal, Rias Baixas, Spain, Vinho Verde
Fâmega Vinho Verde Denominação de Origem Controlada Vinho Branco 2007 This is a personal favorite for lean white wine on a budget. There’s citrus in the nose and the petillance is quite palpable on this date, adding to the livliness. Notes on the ’06: Lean...
