Alambre 20 Anos 1990

17.0 / 20

Producer: José Maria da Fonseca

Region: Setúbal

Country: Portugal

Although not as famous as Port, the sweet Moscatel wines from Setubal are also definitely worth your time and money.

A clear example is this 20 year old Moscatel from one of the largest producers in the region (José Maria da Fonseca). Amber in color with some brown tinges, the bouquet reminds me of a Madeira, with similar caramel and smoke notes. Later on, dried fruits like nuts and figs also appear in the bouquet.

In the mouth, the wine is great, the sweeter notes balanced by a clear acidity, resulting in a full-bodied wine that never becomes too heavy on the palate. The ending is filled with honeyed notes with an amazingly long persistence.

In case you are interested in discovering these wines, this one is a great start, providing real value for its price tag (around 20€).

Either with sweet desserts (egg based) or with a cigar.

Tasted on 2010-11-24

La Rosa Tawny 10 years 1990

15.5 / 20

Producer: Quinta de La Rosa

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

Every time I taste the La Rosa tawnies, I'm taken back to a brilliant week I spent there 3 years ago. Just sitting on the gorgeous terrace at night, watching the Douro, chatting with my wife and sipping yet another glass of Port...

Anyway, this 10 year tawny comes in an original 50cl bottle. Deep ruby with some brick tinges, the aromas are sweet, honeyed. Raisins and other dried sweet fruits come to mind in an exuberant, spiced and not very fruity nose.

The mouth follows the same pattern, with sweet and honeyed notes, along with raisin impressions. Tannins are balanced and soft, paired with a nice acidity that does not compromise a very delicate, soft taste. Overall, a velvety, delicate, rounded port that will live for a few years. A nice option if you need a rest from the stronger, harsher vintages or late bottled vintages.

Pair it with a drier, spiced dessert and it will be brilliant. A pumpkin cake with cinnamon and cloves will be an almost perfect match.

Tasted on 2010-08-06