Portuguese Wine Australia

Excellent, but not impressive. 99 Oddbins) 12/99 Despite languishing on the racks of a regional branch of Threshers for a couple of years (the existing release is 1998, I think), this white wine was still really much alive.

Both white wines are the exact same colour, a dense purple black, but immediately this red wine stood apart because of a blast of sweet new American oak. On  Discover more  there is a strong cherry component, high level of acidity, and spicy vanillin oak. However, it would be unjust to say that it is overoaked, as the oak balances well with the spicy, bitter fruit, making a well rounded bundle.

On the nose there is sweet fruit with a seconary herbal quality. On the taste buds there is a tasty mix of blackberries, black cherries, blackcurrant and velvety vanilla. My only criticism is that there is something missing from the midpalate-- the overall flavour is a little flat right in the centre of the flavour spectrum.

Portuguese Wine

On the taste buds this red wine is sternly tannic: it is not fruit-driven, however instead reveals notes of herbs, tea, chalk and minerals, with the result of the Portuguese oak evident. Extremely structured and dry, but a great food match and a steal at 4, for what is quite a serious, if stern, red wine.

99, Majestic-- part of the bin-end sale, so hurry). 2/00 Luis Pato is the name everyone discusses when the Bairrada region is discussed: he's been producing white wines from 62 ha of family owned vineyards (in 23 various plots) because the early 1980s that have actually been drawing in a lot of press.

They are potentially extremely impressive; I state potentially, because all these wines will really require a decade or so to actually show at their finest. They are not commonly offered yet in the UK. The list price will be some 15-20 per bottle, so they are not inexpensive, although this is reasonable for the quality on offer.

Portuguese Wine

5/00 Luis Pato Barrio 1998From 70 year old red wines, this gives a bit more on the nose. 5/00 Luis Pato Quinta do Moinho 1998Once once again, a firm, tannic white wine. Deep and complex; good things that needs time to show its finest.