A mixed bag from Portugal!

Trying to get back to writing up some TNs, have been so busy organising some outings for inner-city school kids!

I was able to attend one of DeVine Wines excellent evening tastings downtown last week so here are my brief impressions, remember only 2 oz pours.

2010 Varanda do Conde Vinho Veerde is a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura. Soft aromatic nose, easy drinking, slate, off-dry. Good value at $15 Cdn.

2004 Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Franca, Alentejo. Good depth of color, pepper, earthy, smooth finish, plum, spice. The Alicante Bouschet from here went well last year. $22 Cdn.

2004 Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Nacional, Alentejo. I have never been a fan of 100% TN, cherry, raspberry, tad more structure than above but did not do it for me. $22 Cdn.

2009 Quinta do Portal Tinta Roriz, Douro. Just love anything from Portal, very dry, dark cherry flavors, lots of wine here. 4hr decant, way too young but oh the potential. $50 Cdn but guess cheaper elsewhere!!

2009 Quinta Nova Colheita, Douro. I always like this one, great value at $24. No oak, some Tinta Cao blended in, blackberry, ripe, some sweetness, top drawer.

2007 Campolargo Tinto, Dao. Hoorah, no chocolate! Good but overpriced at $30. Thought rather tart, needs patience and time I think. Miss.

2005 Campolargo Valdazar, Bairrada. Another $30 bottle, licorice, I passed on this one. No appeal for this dedicated Portugal fan.

Yummm!! Nice to see some bottles with age at very affordable prices. Too bad the Bairrada didn’t do it for you, Bob — that’s another bottle that seems to be priced attractively, given the age it already has.

Interesting to see you make the “off-dry” comment about the Vinho Verde; certainly that wasn’t an intentional feature of the wine, right?

I did not think that the VV was a true interpretation at all, more of an easy drinking sipper.