WINE ENTHUSIAST OCTOBER 2016
2016-10-04
 92 Points - Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Reserva Especial DOC Douro 2014
"Getting past the heavy bottle, you find a structured and firm wine that has aging potential. Dark and firm, with rich black-plum flavor and a concentrated texture, the wine is developing into a ripe, impressive wine. The mineral edge will integrate well over the next year. Drink from 2018." CELLAR SELECTION  91 Points - Andreza Grande Reserva DOC Douro 2013
"The stupidly heavy bottle is off-putting. That's a shame as the wine itself is ripe and impressive. Rich lemon and pear fruits go with touches of wood spice and a mineral texture. They blend well in a full and generous wine that is now ready to drink."
 91 Points - Herdade de Catapereiro Escolha Reg. Tejo 2013
"A blend of Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet with Syrah, this is a finely structured wine. It is spicy, packed with black-currant fruits and with ripe tannins. The fruits and the dusty texture are just coming together, although the wine will be better from 2017." EDITORS' CHOICE
91 Points - Herdade de Catapereiro Escolha Reg. Tejo 2014
"With six months of oak aging, this wine has both richness and spicy concentration. It is densely structured and solid with tannins. The black fruits are spreading through the wine, giving another element of richness. Dark and dense, the wine needs to age further. Drink from 2018." EDITORS' CHOICE
 89 Points - Azul Portugal DOC Do Tejo 2014"The wine is dusty, dry with layers of fruit that are still developing. Blackberry fruitiness is embedded in the firm structure of this stylish wine. It has a delicious, juicy aftertaste. Drink from 2017." BEST BUY
 88 Points - Andreza Touriga Nacional/Touriga Franca DOC Douro 2014"Ripe and bold, this is a rich wine whose dense fruit is balanced by its equally dense tannins. It has spice, juicy black fruits and a structure that emphasizes minerality and oak aging. It's not quite ready, so drink from 2017."
 88 Points - Azul Portugal DOC Bairrada 2012"This is an attractive wine, dominated by the typical Baga grape from Bairrada. Its tannins are tamed and rounded out producing rich black fruits and fine balanced acidity. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be even better from 2017." BEST BUY
 88 Points - Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas DOC Douro 2015
"Made from old vines, this rich rosé is full of fruit. It has fine acidity as well as wild-strawberry flavors. The texture, lightly mineral, gives the wine a crisp, tight shape. With a fresh aftertaste, the wine will be just right for food." 88 Points - Tyto alba Sauvignon Blanc DOC Do Tejo 2015
"Named after the Tyto Alba, the barn owl that lives in the forests around the vineyard, the wine shows a tropical fruit side of Sauvignon Blanc. Mango and pineapple dominate the ripe character of the wine. It is aromatic, just hinting at something more herbal. Drink from 2017."
 86 Points - Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas DOC Douro 2015
"This comes from a field blend of old vines. It has a crisp and herbal character that is still young and still very fruity. Tangy and zesty, the wine is concentrated while also light and bright. Drink from 2017."
 85 Points - Herdade de Catapereiro Escolha Reg. Tejo 2014
"This ripe perfumed wine is soft with attractive melon and kiwi fruit flavors. It is gently textured, spicy and with just enough acidity. There is a touch of pepper at the end."
 85 Points - Azul Portugal DOC Palmela 2013"The wine is ripe and soft. Touches of spicy wood aging are balanced with crisp acidity and black-currant fruit. Spice and a juicy aftertaste complete an immediately drinkable wine."
 85 Points - Azul Portugal Reg. Península de Setúbal 2015"Made from the local Castelão grape, this is a ripe and fruity wine. It has a crisp blend of red currant and raspberry fruit cut with sweet lime juice. There is fine acidity as well as a warmer caramel aftertaste. Drink now."  85 Points - Monte da Baía Rose Reg. Pen. Setúbal 2015
"This raspberry-flavored wine is soft and ripe. While it is fruity, it also has a nutty character that gives it a rich taste. It's dry and in a style that will make it better with food than by itself."  84 Points - Monte da Baía White Reg. Pen. Setúbal 2015
"A local blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires, the wine is soft, fruity with pear and melon fruit. It has gentle acidity and a crisp texture that gives a lift to the aftertaste. Drink now."
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