Portugal Algarve 590 Cabrita 27,00 A fruity wine, berries, little ripe, remarkable structure, strong volume. It is a fresh wine with a pronounced acidity. It is also a spicy wine, some pepper,some floral notes. Alentejo 535 Monte Velho W.S.85 18,00 536 Monte Velho ½ 11,00 Crisp red with ripe overtones to the berry, plum and red currant flavors. Cream and spice on the supple finish. Trincadeira, Aragonez and Castelão. 538 José de Sousa 25,50 594 José de Sousa 1/2 15,50 Ruby colored, presents aromas of dark chocolate, dates, tobacco leaf, rock roses and vanilla. Fruity, soft tannins but persistent, provides a smooth and balanced taste, with medium long finish 603 Monte Maior 26,50 Aged six-month in French oak barrels, deep red colored, with intense aromas of prunes, blackberries and flowers, harmoniously combined with exotic spices. The tannins are round, the wine is fresh, elegant and versatile. 541 Monte da Peceguina W.S.87 29,00 A ripe red, offering good concentration to the dark plum, wild cherry and blackberry flavors. Chocolate and spice notes fill the finish. Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon 547 Borba Reserva Cortiça 08 W.S.88 32,50 A ripe, full-bodied red, displaying plenty of muscle behind the roasted dark fruit flavors. Offers notes of Asian spice on the mocha-filled finish 534 Cartuxa Colheita R.P.88 43,50 A zesty red, with lots of fresh crushed red fruit. Slate and mocha fill the midpalate, carrying through to the powerful finish. 600 Malhadinha '09 R.P.93 62,00 Gorgeous fruit bursts to the fore, delivering persistent flavor. But that s not all this has. Concentrated and beautifully structured, it is primary and unevolved, with many good things likely to happen in the future. Lush but focused, bursting with flavor, yet balanced, this is a beautiful performance.
Alentejo 573 Mouchão '05 R.P.94 64,00 578 Mouchão 1/2 '05 33,50 The 2005 TINTO is a blend of Alicante Bouschet (80%) and Trincadeira (20%). A bit light in the midpalate, it seems to have resolved into something very fine, retaining the typical power and acidity this winery is known for, but showing that it has the potential to become something more. There are no compromises. It is just a baby still, still tight, still powerful, still astringent, although far more approachable now and just beginning to show its stuff, including some delightful cherry notes under the haze of tannins. Some herbaceous hints remain, but they are part of the mosaic, not a feature unto themselves.they are usually well hidden under the fruit, tannin and acidity. This is going to wind up in a good place, the only question being how good. 574 Esporão Private Selection 07 R.P.90 72,00 The 2007 Garrafeira "Private Selection" Tinto (average vine age, 20 years old) is principally a blend of Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez, aged for 18 months in French oak and then held another 18 months in bottle before release. Graceful and elegant, although with a fairly heavy oak overlay and modern styled, this wine is soft and sensual on first attack, with enough tannin to provide intensity, but not much astringency. It becomes fairly powerful and gripping, although in a controlled fashion, after about two hours of air, waking up and showing off its structure. It was very much the tortoise, gradually coming out of its shell. 604 Zambujeiro '07 R.P.96 89,00 The 2007 Tinto with just Zambujeiro on the label is the winery s flagship, a blend of Touriga Nacional (44%), Alicante Bouschet (30%) and Aragonez (26%). At least until the 2009 is bottled, and perhaps even after, this seems to be the best wine yet made by this very fine boutique. Simply gorgeous and utterly delicious, it is succulent and cool, with surprising elegance and finesse, fine structure, good balance and nice acidity. This winery has no problem with stunning and delicious, but there is a lot of refinement here, too. It is a wine that still has a lot of potential left to achieve and it kept exploding in the glass, 589 Péra Manca '08 R.P.93 185,00 The 2008 Pera-manca Tinto, is a blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo) at 60% this year with Trincadeira at 40%. If the 2007 showed remarkable finesse, this is probably even more elegant. It does not have as much depth as the 2007, but its graceful demeanor and succulent crispness will make it an absolute pleasure to drink. Bright and sunny, it is going to be hard to resist. Even if it does not have the depth and concentration of the best earlier vintages, it may substitute pure charm.
Terras do Sado 542 Periquita W.S.86 17,00 A ripe, fruity nose follows through to red licorice and blackberry jam flavors, with some tarry notes. Firm and smoky on the finish. 543 Quinta da Bacalhôa R.P.88 39,50 The 2010 cabernet sauvignon (it also has 10% Merlot blended in), is quite attractive and graceful this year, nicely structured, beautifully balanced and very harmonious. Elegant but persistent, it should drink very well for the rest of this decade 532 Má Partilha 42,50 A medium-bodied MERLOT with well-defined red plum and tobacco flavors, peppery and chocolaty notes on the finish. Estremadura 544 Bons Ventos W.S.85 16,50 545 Bons Ventos 1/2 9,50 Fresh flavors of crushed berry and cherry are accented by plenty of spice and a touch of sweetness, with a jammy finish Dão 566 Quinta de Cabriz W.S.89 17,50 A focused red, with minerally cut to the dried cherry and wild plum flavors that feature interesting savory herbal notes. The lithe finish is juicy and well-structured. 533 Quinta de Cabriz Reserva 05 W.S.89 29,50 Ripe, with rich, dark plum and mocha flavors. The spicy finish oozes dark chocolate and smoke notes. 549 Casa de Santar Reserva 08 W.S.91 34,50 Rich and well-crafted, with sandalwood accents to the red plum, dried cherry and cherry tart flavors. Very minerally midpalate, followed by a pure, clean-tasting finish of cocoa powder and pepper, with silky tannins 572 Quinta da Pellada 04 R.P.93 76,00 Is 100% Touriga Nacional and a potentially great one, aged for 14 months in new French oak. Pointed and focused, with considerable tannins and a need to integrate them, this otherwise elegant wine is nonetheless perfectly constructed and looks like a big, big winner, dripping with potential and likely to age gracefully. Its steely purity is impressive and it should improve steadily in the cellar.
Douro 537 Evel R.P.85 17,00 Is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, aged for 8 months in oak. Soft, graceful and easy, with straightforward fruit and a hint of roast and bitter herb. 540 Esteva W.S.89 18,50 There's firm structure behind the well-balanced red berry and white plum flavors, with raspberry and spice. Shows dark chocolate flavors on the finish, with hints of graphite. 539 Duas Quintas W.S.89 30,50 593 Duas Quintas 1/2 17,00 A minerally red, with shiso leaf notes to the bright cherry, currant and dark plum flavors. Mediumgrained tannins lead to a finish of mineral and cocoa powder notes. 595 Quinta de São José 31,00 Aged in french oak barrels for 10 months,balanced acidity, good fruit character, harmonious and balanced with a long finish 570 Puro 31,50 Elegant and well balanced,red fruits and some oak,supple and round,lighter mid palette and a long finish 592 CARM Res. '08 R.P.89 32,50 This spicy red boasts loads of dark chocolate and sweet cherry flavors that are long and filled with luscious creamy notes. Chocolate mousse accents mark the finish. 569 Crasto Superior W.S.90 34,00 Firm, balanced and filled with effusive fruit flavors of crushed wild cherry, dark plum and blackberry. The mineral-infused finish shows notes of violet and sage. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão. 599 Post Scriptum R.P.90 35,50 A blend of 41% Touriga Nacional, 36% Touriga Franca and 14% Tinta Roriz and 9% Tinta Barroca, aged for 10 months in French oak. It is a tasty mouthful, with fine structure, good balance and integration of its parts and persistent flavor. There isn t a lot of mid-palate concentration when all is said and done, but it never seems thin. For all of its persistence of flavor and growing intensity on the finish with some aeration, it has a certain subtlety to it that is intriguing, making it an interesting choice.
Douro 596 Q. do Vallado touriga nac. 08 W.S.95 46,00 Top 100W.S.: 2011, Rank: 7 Powerful and concentrated, boasting medium-grained tannins that support the dense plum and berry flavors, which feature plenty of ferrous, minerally notes. Mocha and spice linger on the long finish. Very well-crafted, finely balanced and pure-tasting. 596 Q. do Vallado touriga nac. 09 W.S.92 46,00 Top 100W.S.: 2012, Rank: 12 Very polished and ripe, with intense mocha and spice aromas and powerful flavors of blackberry, French roast coffee and black olive. The long finish is filled with effusive dark chocolate and Asian spice notes, with hints of toast and cream. 575 Duas Quintas Reserva 06 R.P.94 54,00 A concentrated and vibrant red, with intense flavors of raspberry, blueberry and dark cherry. The long, rich finish oozes dark chocolate and spice. This has plenty of grip. 567 Pintas '08 W.S,94 56,00 A very old vines (78 years) Douro field blend. Like a lot of wines in this vintage, this opens with a hard edge, crisp and bright, powerful and closed, with an elegant mid-palate. It is also fragrant and flavorful, persistent and lingering on the finish. As it aired out, it dribbled persistent flavor over the palate, while retaining its elegance and intensity It is very pointed and focused, well integrated with respect to oak, and powerful. 548 Qta do Crasto Reserva 08 W.S.93 59,00 550 Qta do Crasto Reserva 08 1/2 31,50 Top 100W.S.: 2011, Rank: 62 A solid core of savory spice and leaf notes provides a supple overlay to the flavors of dried berry and smoke. The deft finish lingers, with touches of cream and vanilla as well as plenty of cocoa powder notes. Very elegant and suave. 597 Qta. Do Vallado Res 08 W.S.94 59,00 A refined red, bursting with focused raspberry, red plum, currant and cherry pie flavors. Very suave and balanced, with a supple finish of mocha and chocolate that is backed up by silky tannins and enhanced by a rich creaminess.
Douro 597 Qta. Do Vallado Res 09 R.P.92 59,00 The 2009 Reserva is an old vines field blend (with 69% of the grapes sourced from vines 80+ years old, and 31% Touriga Nacional from 10-15 year old vines). Seeming full in the mouth, with a velvety texture, this is sexy and rich, its balance is nice and its structure beautiful. Tannins do emerge with air, as this wine fleshes out and wakes up. It evolves rather dramatically from the early impressions. 598 Quinta de São José Res 08 62,00 Very deep purple, very complex aromas with lots of red fruits,minerals and spices with high level of tannins that give it a long aftertaste. 568 Quinta da Touriga Chã '08 64,00 Is beautifully crafted, graceful,elegant and well balanced, with well integrated oak treatment and an intense, rather gripping, sunny and succulent finish. The mid-palate is on the lighter side. For all of its gracefulness, this has a lot of power. 605 CV '09 W.S.92 79,00 Very focused and powerful, with concentrated crushed red fruit flavors that are filled with plenty of mineral and violet notes. The pure finish features touches of elegance. 571 Chryseia 07 R.P.94 95,00 Is a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca aged for 12 months in French oak.this certainly seems to have developed brilliantly with some extra time in the bottle and its virtues deserve more recognition. This is probably the best Chryseia the Symingtons have produced and it may yet improve further. It seems to be a complete wine in the making, sensually textured, concentrated and juicy. There is not a hair out of place. It has the structure to age, the texture to make every sip a pleasure, plus complexity and flavor. It is rather brilliant. 576 Vale Meao 07 W.S.95 129,00 This powerful red delivers concentrated flavors of dark plum, Asian spice, roasted meats and dark chocolate that are backed up by fine acidity. Medium-grained tannins are silky, and the finish is rich, with concentrated notes of dark chocolate, mocha and cream 576 Vale Meao 08 W.S.95 129,00 Top 100W.S.: 2011, Rank: 62 Very fresh and pure-tasting, displaying a minerally essence to the concentrated dark plum, cassis and dark cherry flavors that are broad, dense and rich. Medium-grained tannins emerge with plenty of fresh acidity. The balanced finish features mocha and spice, with hints of chocolate. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca.
France Bourgogne 931 Chanson Père & Fils Clos des Fèves 1ª cru Beaune '07 W.E.92 85,00 A plush, spicy red whose cherry, raspberry and floral flavors are bolstered by firm, well-integrated tannins. 932 Louis Jadot Clos Vougeot grand cru Beaune '09 W.S.96 189,00 Displays enticing aromas of flowers, cherry, strawberry and spice, with a hint of leather and licorice in reserve and a long, long finish. A wall of tannins shuts this down at least for now. The aromas are worth the price of admission.
Bordeaux 577 Château Lilian Ladouys Saint Estèphe 09 W.S.92 45,00 On the toasty, more modern side of the spectrum, with ambitious roasted fig, apple wood and blueberry confiture notes followed by racy graphite, espresso and blackberry pâte de fruit. Not shy, but has the density for balance. 933 Château Barde -Haut grand cru Saint-Emilion '09 R.P.94 84,00 Made from tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare (May hail damage resulted in this small crop), the opaque purple-colored 2009 reveals an extraordinary nose of mulberries, black cherries, charcoal, barbecue smoke and forest floor. Rich, full-bodied and opulent with silky tannins as well as a broad, unctuous texture, this beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. It is fashioned from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 934 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière crand cru Saint-Emilion '09 W.S.96 179,00 Top 100W.S.: 2012, Rank: 23 An intriguing blend of nearly 50% Merlot, a whopping 35% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (a somewhat unusual combination for this region), the 2009 reminds me of the 1990. A big, inky/purple-tinged wine with just over 14% natural alcohol, it exhibits exotic, flamboyant aromas of espresso roast, incense, sweet black cherries, black currants, licorice, asphalt, barbecue smoke, Christmas fruitcake and herbs. Full-bodied with silky tannins, luscious fruit, a hedonistic yet complex personality, low acidity, noticeable tannin and enviable purity, this head-turning beauty can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. 935 Château Branon crand cru Pessac-Léognan '09 R.P.98 239,00 This magnificent, dense plum/purple-colored Pessac-Leognan reveals notes of scorched earth, burning embers, blackberries and truffles. Composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a vineyard gorgeously situated between Malartic Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly, it possesses full-bodied power, a stunningly intense, voluptuous, layered mouthfeel and abundant levels of fruit, glycerin and tannin. The 2009 ranks alongside the magnificent 2000, which is aging at a glacial pace. Unfortunately, proprietress Helene Garcin only produces around 500 cases of this somewhat cult-ish Pessac- Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.
Rhône 936 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage W.S.88 32,00 A twinge of iron leads the way, with black cherry, spice and tobacco notes gliding in behind it. A dash of cherry pit extends the finish 937 Santa Duc Selections Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues '07 R.P.97 119,00 An absolutely exquisite, profound effort is the densely purple-colored 2007 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues Cuvee Prestige. The incredible aromatic expression of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blueberry and blackberry as well as ripe raspberries, crushed rock, and floral undertones is to die for. In the mouth, the wine is exceptionally full-bodied, fresh and vibrant, yet possesses awesome concentration, a multi-layered mouthfeel, and a finish that goes on for 45+ seconds. This is an incredible effort from Yves Gras. 939 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas "Les Claux" '10 W.S.98 149,00 Dense, brooding and very dark, with a block of baker's chocolate at the core, studded with linzer torte, steeped blackberry and roasted fig notes. There's also lots of espresso and ganache, but still this has rapier, chalky cut through the finish, with alder, juniper and bay giving the flesh the angles it needs for balance. Stunning length 938 Châteauneuf du Pape Domaine de la Janasse "Chaupin" 10 R.P.98 159,00 The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin rivals the 2007 Chaupin (to date the best Chaupin I have yet tasted). Made from 100% Grenache (3/4 destemmed), it boasts a dense black/purple color as well as unbelievable notes of raspberries, black cherries, licorice, truffles, camphor, forest floor and garrigue. This wine is stunningly concentrated, incredibly noble, precise and expansive on the palate with mouth-saturating intensity, glycerin and extract. It is an amazing example of impeccably grown old vine Grenache translated into a natural yet full-throttle red 601 Châteauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes 10 R.P.99 195,00 Top 100W.S.: 2012, Rank: 23 The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape flirts with perfection. A classic blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Counoise, all aged in large foudres in Clos des Papes s air-conditioned and humidity-controlled wine cellar, the wine boasts a dense purple color along with lots of gorgeously pure black raspberry, black currant and kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with notions of spring flowers, tapenade, licorice and spice box. This dense, full-bodied, powerful Chateauneuf is also remarkably fresh and well-delineated. It even exceeded the 2007 in natural alcohol, coming in at 15.9%. With an extraordinary texture and considerable tannin in the finish, Don t miss it!
Espanha Rioja 579 Marqués de Cáceres Crianza W.S.88 32,50 This focused red is subtle but harmonious, with well-integrated flavors of black cherry, toast, herbs and spice layered over fine tannins. Crisp and fresh. 591 Roda Reserva 06 R.P.91 59,00 The 2006 Roda Reserva is a pure Tempranillo aged in French oak of which half is new. It has a clean and fresh, almost clinical bouquet with fresh red berry fruit, wild strawberry and raspberry mixed with leather and bay leaf. The palate is very well-balanced with supple tannins on the entry. It builds nicely in the mouth, leading to a very elegant, supple finish of wild strawberry, raspberry and cocoa, kept in focus by a well-judged citric thread that runs through from start to finish. This is one of Roda s finest wines. Ribera del Duero 602 Aalto '09 72,00 A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is displaying a complex aromatic array of sandalwood, smoke, espresso, lavender, Asian spices, and assorted blue and black fruits. Smooth-textured, succulent, and structured 940 Aalto PS '09 159,00 was aged for 32 months in 70% new French oak. It emits a super-expressive aromatic array of pain grille, crushed stone, lavender, spice box, and blackberry. Firm and structured on the palate, it has a boatload of intense, succulent, spicy fruit, ripe tannin, and impeccable balance.
Italia Toscana 941 Brunello di Montalcino " La Serena" '06 W.S.97 119,00 Top 100W.S.: 2011, Rank: 24 Beautifully perfumed, this red features rose, peony, black currant, tar and licorice aromas and flavors. This is ripe and dense, with well-integrated tannins and acidity that funnel the fruit and 942 Brunello di Montalcino Campogiovanni "san felice" '06 W.S.96 105,00 Top 100W.S.: 2011, Rank: 4 Licorice, sweet spices, toast, smoke and sanguine aromas and flavors envelop a kernel of raspberry in this intense, extroverted red, which is complex, focused and structured, with an expansive finish 943 Chianti classico Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo" '06 R.P.95 115,00 Full-bodied, displaying an amazing concentration of fruit and big, chewy tannins. Velvety and chewy, yet there's so much underneath. Layered and impressive, what a great wine.
U.S.A. California 944 Shafer Relentless Napa Valley '08 W.S.96 165,00 Top 100W.S.: 2012, Rank: 1 The aromatics are full and distinct, with loads of dark berry and charcoal, then this unfolds touches of black cherry, raspberry and red and black licorice on the palate, sailing along and firming nicely on the finish. Shows all the muscle, density, richness and range of flavor found in many Shafer reds, yet takes it to another level in this vintage. The best Relentless yet. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Oregon 945 Shea wine cellars Willamette Valley "Estate" Pinot Noir '09 W.S.94 95,00 Top 100W.S.: 2012, Rank: 7 Supple, rich and complex, layering its dark berry, black cherry, pink grapefruit and exotic spice flavors on a velvety frame. The finish lingering effortlessly
Vinhos Brancos ~ White Wines Portugal Algarve 510 Cabrita 25,50 Made with Verdelho e Crato,this white was vinified by the traditional method of open chute at controlled temperature.it's good to drink with fish or white meats. Alentejo 519 Monte Velho W.S.87 18,00 520 Monte Velho ½ 11,00 Supple and ripe, with flavors of pineapple, mango and apricot preserves that take on notes of honey cream and spice, which extend on the creamy finish. Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Perrum 507 Monte da Peceguina R.P.88 27,00 Is a blend of 60% Antao Vaz, 20% Verdelho, and 10% each of Roupeiro and Arinto. Fresh and friendly,with fine purity of fruit, restraint but flavor, and nice acidity. There are hints of earthy minerality underneath. 586 Cartuxa R.P.86 29,50 is a blend of Arinto, Antao Vaz and Roupeiro. Light and easygoing, it has enough persistence on the finish to seem a little lively 516 Esporão Reserva W.S.89 32,00 Rich, spicy and full of ripe apple, peach, pear and butterscotch flavors that are accented by concentrated spice notes. Vanilla and cream hints linger on the luscious finish. 509 Tapada dos Coelheiros Chardonnay 35,50 Fermented in new French oak. Honey, dried fruit with notes of tropical fruits,fresh and round, with a lingering balanced finish 588 Pêra Manca R.P.90 85,00 Is a blend of Antao Vaz and Arinto. Although laced with some oaky notes, it also has good acidity and a refreshing feel to it. Showing some finesse, it is not heavy in the mid-palate, but it remains persistent and subtly intense on the finish. It does not easily fade. One of the more charming Pera- Manca Brancos I've had. As it airs out, it becomes increasingly pure, shows great clarity and integrates the oak about as well as can be done.
Vinhos Brancos ~ White Wines Terras do Sado 517 BSE 18,00 518 BSE 1/2 11,00 Arinto,Fernão Pires,Malvasia and Moscatel.Dry White with a fruity aroma,low acidity and nice aftertaste 512 João Pires W.S.88 21,50 Very spicy up front, with a backbone of mineral and ripe pear flavors and notes of marmalade on the lush finish. A rich and distinctive white 587 Catarina W.E.88 23,00 is a blend of 50% Fernao Pires, 40% Chardonnay and 10% Arinto, with the Chardonnay aged in barrel. Lightly oaked, with the oaky nuances very well integrated and controlled, this shows some decent depth in the mid-palate, good acidity and some persistence on the finish. Estremadura 527 Bons Ventos W.S.85 16,50 528 Bons Ventos 1/2 9,80 Fresh, with cut-grass and herbal flavors which are joined by plenty of citrus and spice. Salt and white pepper mark the finish. 582 Morgado de Sta. Catherina Res R.P.90 32,50 Arinto from the region known for it, is typically one of the nicer ones. It is oak aged for 10 months (50% new). Beautifully constructed, with both finesse and balance, its acidity showing the ability to easily cut through the oak, this has a penetrating finish to go with an elegant demeanor. I confess that I really warmed up to this as it warmed up. Dão 583 Qta.Carvalhais Encruzada 37,50 A very ripe style, with flavors of spiced apple flavors and roasted fig. Buttery finish. Douro 524 Grandjo 18,00 Donzelinho Branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Esgana Cão and Viosinho, grown on a plateau high above the Douro. Displays citric yellow, clear and critalino. Very fruity aroma,sweet, foppish and smooth, provides a prolonged balanced flavor. 521 Planalto 20,00 Medium-bodied, showing ripe pear flavors and smoke notes, with mineral and spice on the finish.
Vinhos Brancos ~ White Wines Douro 529 CARM Reserva W.S.89 31,50 Ripe and rich-tasting, with effusive spicy overtones to the baked apple and pear tart flavors. The long finish features plenty of golden raisin and mineral notes, with hints of dried mango. 497 Quinta do Crasto 33,50 Good concentration to the ripe pear, apricot and apple flavors gives this white some depth. Melon, cream and spice notes linger on the finish. Rabigato, Gouveio and Roupeiro. Deutschland Mosel 496 Joh. Jos.Prüm Bernkasteler Badstube auslese Riesling '09 W.S.97 79,00 Racy and powerful, with loads of bright acidity behind the intense, concentrated green apple, peach and ripe melon flavors. There's a concentrated minerality to this as well, with some fascinating hints of lardons and spice on the finish France Alsace 505 Trimbach Riesling W.S.88 33,50 Light-bodied and fresh, with racy acidity enlivening flavors of anise, fresh quince, blanched almond and grapefruit zest. Lacy, with a delicate finish 500 Trimbach Gewurztraminer W.S.90 35,50 This delicate white, displays notes of orchard blossom, candied lemon zest and tangerine, with a minerally subnote that builds toward the finish. Shows good concentration in a dry and elegant package, with a long, finely textured finish. Loire 498 Hubert Brochard Pouilly-Fumé 35,50 A superb Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Crisp & refreshingly dry white wine with the classic gooseberry nose & with this classic "gun-flinty" flavour.
Vinhos Brancos ~ White Wines Bourgogne 499 Chanson Chablis W.S.87 38,50 A round, luscious white, whose stone fruit theme is accented by a hint of bitter grapefruit and almond. Bordeaux 530 Lynch Bages Sauvignon Blanc W.S.89 31,00 Ripe and focused, with nicely wound verbena, salted butter and green almond notes, backed by a vibrant finish that should unwind with brief cellaring. Italia Trentino 523 Armani "Claps" Pinot Grigio 23,50 ripe apricot and melon fruit notes and a hint of smoke New Sealand 508 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc W.S.89 33,50 Wonderfully balanced with a smooth body and crisp acidity, showing ripe peach, pear and apple flavors. Floral and tropical details abound, with a fresh green herb note on the finish. Chile 504 M. Casa Concha Chardonnay W.S.90 36,50 This smoky white opens up with dense pineapple, Pink Lady apple and zesty citrus notes that are tightly wound on a bright, medium-bodied frame.
Vinhos Verdes ~ Green Wines Minho 514 Casal Garcia W.S.86 16,00 515 Casal Garcia ½ 9,80 A crisp white, with fresh-cut apple flavors that are supported by juicy citrus notes. Shows hints of peach on the finish. 501 Monsenhor 17,00 This wonderfully light and sweet wine is made from Arinto, Azal Branco, Loureiro and Trajadura. It is characterized by its fresh, fruity aroma with a slight floral note. Lightly sparkling, with only 9.5% alcohol, it is the perfect summer wine. 513 Muralhas W.S.87 18,50 Minerally and bright-tasting, with good structure behind the cherry and white plum flavors, which linger with plenty of spiciness on the finish. 581 Alvarinho Deu la Deu W.S.88 22,50 Shows good depth and balance to the ripe peach and apricot notes. Nutmeg and vanilla dominate the rich finish. 502 Alvarinho QM 28,50 503 Soalheiro R.P.90 31,50 it is a remarkably elegant and graceful wine, consistent with the winery s style. It is still tight and persistent, yet utterly charming. 585 Alvarinho Palacio da Brejoeira 47,50 A light wine,fresh and aromatic,with hints of Citrus fruits,almonds and flowers.complex and harmonious,with medium long after taste.
Vinhos Rosé ~ Rosé Wines Algarve 555 Cabrita 21,50 Rebels aroma, with floral notes and red fruits of the forest, the Cabrita Rosé, shows all the elegance of Touriga National and Aragonese,rich fruit and good freshness Alentejo 506 Monte da Peceguina 27,00 appears very clean, with good ripe fruit aroma, with a predominance of red fruit aromas. Shows very expression and smoothness in the mouth. Young and round with the fruit in evidence Estremadura 553 Lancers 17,00 Clear, bright pink with a salmon hue. Fragrant, with scents of fresh berries. Delightfully approachable style, with lively fruit flavors that extend into the finish. Douro 551 Mateus 16,00 has appealing and bright hue.on the whole,it is a fresh and seductive wine with a fine and intense bouquet and all the joviality of young wines,it is well balanced and temting, complemented by a soft and slightly fizzy finish 556 CARM R.P.88 23,50 Is a low alcohol Touriga Nacional (12.5%), and it is pretty fine. Solid in the mid-palate. For a pink, this has fine depth, persistent flavors and a crisp aftertaste. It is a bigger styled pink. It has beautiful finish, showing a little power and intensity, not too far divorced from a red in some respects. It is also delicious, overall a very nice performance from CARM
Espumantes ~ Sparkling Wines Portugal Bairrada 563 Aliança Danúbio Bruto 32,00 A sparkling wine with gentle bubbles, fruity aroma and balanced acidity. Douro 562 Murganheira Reserva 37,50 Malvasia Fina,Cerceal and Gouveio Real,Citrus colour and dry fruit aroma.taste strikes a great balance between acidity and fruit. France Champagne 564 Moët & Chandon 60,00 Rich and creamy, this seems easy, yet has plenty of honey, candied fruit and apple notes filling out its medium-bodied frame. It's soft, with enough acidity to keep it focused 565 Pol Roger 74,00 A lively Champagne, rich and supple, showing citrus, ginger and biscuit flavors. It's well-integrated, picking up a floral note on the finish.