2007 Grao Vasco Dao Tinto

On February 1, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Grao Vasco Dao Red wine from the Dao region of Portugal. This blend of Jaen, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional grape varietals was acquired for under $7.

Color

In the glass it is a beautiful dark red almost turning black at times.

Aroma

On the nose there is a strong sulfur component which gives it an earthy characteristic. This is complemented by some fruit notes such as strawberry and blackberry. I also get a hint of green pepper and black pepper.

Flavor

The attack has strawberry and is sweet. The mid-palate continues with strawberry and then sour cherry starts to show. The finish is relatively quick with a bit of black cherry. This is a medium to light bodied wine and comes across as fresh. It is food friendly and will pair with many dishes, but on it’s own it is plain.

Rating

This is not a complex wine, but is easy to drink. I rate it 83 points. Have you tried it? What aroma and/or flavors did you get?

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2006 Sogrape Vinhos Vila Regia Douro

On October 22, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2006 Vila Regia Douro by Sogrape Vinhos from Portugal. This is made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. I am not sure of the percentages. The Sogrape Vinhos site seems to indicate it was only aged in Stainless Steel. I acquired this bottle for under $8.

Color

In the glass it is a dark ruby red.

Aroma

The nose is really nice with black currant and blackberry combined with spices. There is pepper and even a leather component. It definitely has an above average nose.

Flavor

Sweet red fruit such as strawberry is present on the attack. The mid-palate seems to be the strength of this wine with some great cherry components. The finish is a little hot, but the tannins add a nice touch and dryness. It has some tobacco flavors on the finish which is nice. Because of the same grape varietals being used, this wine reminds me a little of a ruby port. It should pair well with cheese, particular blue cheese. Anyone tried it with Stilton?

Rating

I like this wine and think it delivers great value. I rate it 89 points.

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2006 Quinta de Ventozelo Douro Vinzelo

On October 20, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2006 DOC Douro Red Wine Vinzelo from the Douro region of Portugal. Quinta de Ventozelo produces this wine as a blend of 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Barroca, and 10% Touriga Nacional. These are the traditional varietals used in the making of port wine (a favorite of mine). I found this wine for under $7.

Color

The color is ruby red. Not too thin, but definitely not on the black or purple side of the red wine spectrum.

Aroma

Loads of red fruit on the nose. Strawberry, raspberry and cherries. I also detect a bit of mint. The wine is nice and open.

Flavor

Very fruity with mild tannins and some acidity on the finish. There is a little bit of the dry chalkiness in it from the tannins. The fruit again seems to be mainly red fruit, such as cherries and plums. On the finish, there are some sour cherries showing up. It is an average wine which I am more inclined to drink with food and not on its own. I’d pair it with pasta and red sauce, pizza, and mild cheese.

Rating

The Douro Vinzelo reminds me of Rioja (Tempranillo from Spain) or Chianti. I think is pretty average. It is sufficient, but not thrilling. Perhaps Quinta de Ventozelo should stick to Port. I rate this wine at 85 points.

Have you tried a good wine from Portugal?

wine.com

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2007 Quinta de Catralvos Lisa Vinho Regional Terras do Sado

On October 19, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Lisa Vinho Regional Terras do Sado by Quinta de Catralvos from Azeitão, Portugal. It is produced from the Castelao (Periquita), Syrah, and Touriga Nacional varietals. I found this bottle for under $8. I wish they didn’t use real cork.

Color

In the glass it is almost black in color with just a hint of dark purple on the edge. Very nice.

Aroma

Extremely aromatic with rich fruit components such as strawberry, blackberry and mulberry. There is also a hint of mint and leather. It all makes for a good nose.

Flavor

The attack is quite sweet with red currant and red raspberry. There is some cherry and strawberry on the mid-palate. It finishes with some mild tannins and smoke. It is pretty dry on the finish. This is a medium-bodied wine which is drinkable on its own and can pair with pork or chicken.

Rating

I was pretty excited by the nose of this wine, but then a little disappointed with the flavors. I rate it 89 points.

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2007 Lello Tinto

On October 10, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Lello Tinto by Borges from the Douro region of Portugal. It is a blend of the Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca varietals. Does anyone know the percentages? I found it for under $8.

Color

In the glass this wine has good color. It is a deep ruby red.

Aroma

The oak treatment is immediately present on the nose. There is also some herbal components such as oregano and thyme. Overall there is very little fruit showing other than a hint of black currant.

Flavor

On the attack, I get some nice fruit. It is a combination of red and black fruits such as cherries, blackberries and plum. The mid-palate shows a lot of sour cherries. The finish is long and has a smoky element to it along with sour cherries. There is not a hollow point in this wine as it has bold flavor throughout the profile. It also has some definite tannin structure. They are a little bitter but should mellow over time. This wine will pair well with beef and red pasta dishes.

Rating

I like this wine. It isn’t completely blowing me away with smoothness but definitely is drinkable. I rate it 88 points.

Have you had this Lello wine? What flavors and aromas did you detect?

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