Barão de Vilar Late Bottled Vintage 2005

15.5 / 20

Producer: Barão de Vilar

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

Dark purple in the glass, this 6-year old Late Bottled Vintage has quite a closed bouquet, with some ripe red and black fruits, a lingering jammy trace and some more chemical paper in the background.

Also feeling very closed in the palate, big bodied, almost chewable and sporting some hard, uncompromising tannins. Good, refreshing acidity gives it some air in a taste where the layers of red and black fruits are still hidden beneath some very hard tannins. Hints of pepper in the long finish.

Definitely one to leave in the cellar for some years. It certainly felt as if it needed a lot of time to mature and mellow.

Tasted on 2012-03-04

Korem 2005

17.0 / 20

Producer: Cantine Argiolas

Region: Sardegna

Country: Italy

A wine from the italian island of Sardegna, this is made from a blend of indigenous grape types: Bovale Sardo, Carignano and Cannonau. Bold, intense and concentrated, the nose shows signs of red fruits, some peppery impressions, a hint of a more vegetable side and an obvious influence from the oak it staged in - 12 months according to the producer.

Very powerful in the palate, with a lot of structure backed by hard, lively tannins, it has a fresh vibrant acidity that manages to integrate well both with the strong fruit notes and the still stronger oak/vanilla notes. This is a thick and dense wine where, after 6 years, the juicy red fruit one senses still hides behind an impressive wall of hard, but not unmanageable tannins.

This is still obviously growing in the bottle. Pretty good as it is, but it will probably grow a lot further.

Tasted on 2012-01-26

Casa da Ínsua Reserva 2005

15.5 / 20

Producer: Casa da Ínsua

Region: Dão

Country: Portugal

This wine is produced by a small hotel hosted in a former manor house in Penalva do Castelo, in the Dão.

Clear ruby, the nose is a bit muddy and fuzzy at first, showing some red fruits and oak notes. Later it opens to clearer, more precise aromas that include some delicate violets.

Quite fresh in the mouth, with an average body that gets most of its structure from some hard tannins. There's also a pervading sweetness to the taste, that converges on some chocolate notes in its average length finale.

Tasted on 2011-11-16

Sidónio de Sousa Garrafeira 2005

17.5 / 20

Producer: Dulcinea dos Santos Ferreira

Region: Bairrada

Country: Portugal

This wine represents the last vintage for a centenary Baga vineyard in the Bairrada - it was replanted shortly afterward.

Dark purple, almost pitch black, the nose is deep, strong and complex. Lots of meaty red fruits, some green olives and peppers, a hint of flowers maybe. Really impressive.

Big bodied, very layered in the mouth. Concentrated and full, still showing a crisp, marked acidity and some hard tannins that do not overwhelm the rich notes of red fruit that still shine through. The oak notes here are classical and beautifully balanced, providing just enough toast and smoke but never coming along as the main drivers for the wine. The finish is enormous, astringent and almost chewy.

An inspiring, monumental wine that still has a couple of decades in it.

Tasted on 2011-10-29

Outono de Santar 2005

13.5 / 20

Producer: Dão Sul

Region: Dão

Country: Portugal

An unusual Late Harvest, since it comes from the Dão and is made exclusively from Encruzado grapes, this has a golden color.

Nose was a bit unclear at first, with some glyceric notes and a stranger, almost plastic aroma. It later slightly opens up to some dried fruits and orange peel.

A bit short on the palate, with a soft structure, I felt it could have some more acidity to balance out the sweeter side. Some dried fruits appear during the taste and the ending briefly shows some orange peel.

Maybe it was this particular bottle, but this wine failed to impress me. Maybe it has passed its drinking window - although I bought this at the producer earlier this year?

Tasted on 2011-10-23

Picos do Couto Grande Escolha 2005

16.0 / 20

Producer: FTP Vinhos

Region: Dão

Country: Portugal

Dark ruby, the bouquet starts by showing some leathery notes, later replaced with flowers - violets and rockroses - and then some oak, chocolate and dark plums.

Quite some structure in the mouth, the first impression being of leather notes, again. Some vegetable and flowery notes also appear, very nicely integrated with the oak, tamed tannins and a still very marked acidity. The ending reveals a slight hint of evolution, a nice lengthy persistence that brings up again dark plums.

I think this is in an ideal drinking window, its six years in the bottle having granted it a very balanced feel.

Tasted on 2011-09-27

Aldeias de Juromenha Garrafeira 2005

16.0 / 20

Producer: Herdade das Aldeias

Region: Alentejo

Country: Portugal

I assume this is the top brand from this producer, Herdade das Aldeias (or Herdade dos Outeiros, I'm not quite sure as info about them is scarce on the internet).

Vivid dark ruby on the glass, the nose is driven by leather and spices, leaving the usual Alentejo red fruits a bit in the background. A subtle cocoa note reveals the barrel's mark on the wine. A very composed and pleasurable nose.

A round, medium-structure wine in the mouth with a well-controlled acidity and mild tannins that give it some structure. Everything seems in its right place, producing a consistent taste that ends in a satisfying fashion, leaving notes of cocoa and prunes.

A very easy-to-drink, food-friendly wine that will go along well with a weekend meal.

Tasted on 2011-06-18

Dalva Late Bottled Vintage 2005

16.0 / 20

Producer: C. Da Silva

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

A young LBV, and it definitely shows its youth in all levels. Deep, really dark ruby with some purple tinge, the nose feels a bit closed, dry and austere. At first, some inky, chemical impressions. Then, some dark fruits, a touch of mint, maybe some cloves to the background.

In the mouth, the first impression is of cherries, quickly followed by a hint of honey. The tannins are still in the front seat, giving this a lot of body and leaving an almost spicy fell in the mouth. Although being very concentrated and unctuous, a nice, balanced acidity helps it not becoming too heavy or too sweet. Finish is medium-long, bringing back the cherries and the honey.

A nice choice in the 10-15€ price, I just felt that maybe it lacked a bit of complexity in the mouth.

Dark chocolate based desserts. It also was a good companion for a mild cigar.

Tasted on 2011-06-02

Periquita Reserva 2005

16.0 / 20

Producer: José Maria da Fonseca

Region: Terras do Sado

Country: Portugal

Tasted in a magnum, this 6-year old from the Sado shows no sign of evolution in the glass, sporting a nice light ruby color.

The nose shows ripe sweet red fruits, backed up by some spices and vanilla from the oak. Not an intense or complex bouquet by any means, but balanced and pleasing.

In the mouth, the feeling of balance continues. Round, soft, with hints of jam and ripe red fruits, controlled acidity, this seems to be on the right timeframe to be consumed. Average length ending that leaves a jammy aftertaste.

The main drawback in this wine is that it might be considered as too sweet for some tastes, since it definitely shows a lot of sweet fruit (specially in the mouth). In my opinion, the sweetness is balanced and does not detract from the drinking pleasure, but it definitely is down to personal preferences.

Tasted on 2011-05-12

Aldeias de Juromenha Reserva 2005

15.0 / 20

Producer: Herdade dos Outeiros

Region: Alentejo

Country: Portugal

Ruby colored, bouquet filled with ripe red fruits, in an intense, typical Alentejo approach.

Round, soft body with the tannins still showing up occasionally. Pretty fruit forward, simple but honest, the finish is also soft and delicate. After some time in the glass, some vegetable notes start appearing in the aftertaste.

Overall, a typical simple Alentejo, quite fruit-forward. The fruit here is maybe a bit too ripe for my taste.

Tasted on 2011-04-21

Chryseia 2005

17.5 / 20

Producer: Prats & Symington

Region: Douro

Country: Portugal

The 05 vintage for Chryseia is a really dark, almost black wine.

The bouquet centers around floral impressions, black cherries and vanilla notes in the background. Very fresh, it exquisitely balances delicacy with intensity.

To the taste, a vigorous, really young wine. Robust yet balanced tannins give this wine a great structure, in a body where the oak is perhaps a bit strong right now. Nice black fruit appears toward the end of the taste, in a wonderfully long and persistent finish.

For my taste, I think this would benefit from cellaring some more years. If the previous vintages are anything to go by, 3 years from now this will be even better.

Tasted on 2011-04-18

The Holy Trinity 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Grant Burge

Region: Barossa Valley

Country: Australia

This australian wine uses a traditional Côtes du Rhône blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Grenache, which was, apparently, widely used in Australia before the 1980s.

Garnet with a very soft brownish tinge in the border, the aromas hint of ripe red berries and cherries, spices - pepper and nutmeg for sure - and some leather, tobacco, dried flowers, maybe. All very inviting and fragrant without being overwhelming.

In the mouth, slightly more acid wild red fruits combine with velvet tannins to provide a well structured wine. Although showing some weight and texture, it also shows a bright acidity that keeps the taste very interesting and lively. Finish is long leaving a spiced aftertaste.

Went really well with a very rare bull steak. Definitely one to pair with red meat dishes.

Tasted on 2011-03-31

Vértice 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Caves Transmontanas

Region: Douro

Country: Portugal

The people at Caves Transmontanas keep going strong with their Vertice brand - the Brut sparkling they have has been rightfully declared as one of the best sparklings from Portugal.

This is the 05 vintage for their red wine and I'm as impressed by this one as with previous vintages. Purple colored, the aromas are very floral with some balsamic overtones, mint and some chocolate towards the end. Overall, a fine, elegant and somewhat complex bouquet.

To the taste, it show a good acidity, with tannins still strong. Elegant and textured, it has a really long finish, bringing up chocolate and smokier notes and a vegetable feel in the background.

The taste is a little too marked by the alcohol, a complaint I already had in the previous vintage and that, to my view, prevents the wine from achieving more. 2005 was a really hot year in Portugal and that can help explain the alcoholic feeling here. There's a 07 in the cellar waiting to be opened and I have great expectations for that as that was a nearly perfect year in the Douro. Will definitely let you know.

But overall, a great wine and a really good value (around 17€).

Paired beautifully with a wild boar ragout, the complexity of the dish flavors matching the wine's body step by step.

Tasted on 2011-01-06

Chateau Franc Couplet 2005

15.0 / 20

Producer: Domaine Franc Couplet

Region: Bordeaux

Country: France

Deep red in the glass, this Bordeaux failed to impress me.

The nose showed some red fruit along with vanilla in the mix, but everything seemed too subdued and distant. It got a little better with some time in the glass, revealing some green peppers and opening up a bit. But still, something lacked.

This impression continued to the taste itself. The wine seemed inexpressive, neither revealing fruit nor giving us other flavors. Maybe some red fruits or spices, but on the whole a bland taste.

Did it need more time in the glass? Did it need more time in the bottle? Not sure what to make of this wine.

Tasted on 2010-12-02

D+D 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Drink & Dreams

Region: Douro

Country: Portugal

Made by producers from the portuguese Douro and the spanish Ribera del Duero, this wine is a bit of a departure from the typical Douro.

Deep ruby in color, the aroma is intense, rich and warm starting off with some vanilla from the oak, mingled with other spices, camphor and, more to the background, some ripe red fruit.

In the mouth, an elegant and complex taste. Great body without being too big, driven by spices and some oak but still with some intense red fruit. Tannins are there but playing really well with both the fruit and the wood. Overall, a great taste finishing with a long aftertaste.

Roast partridge proved to be an excellent companion for this wine with the intense game flavors standing up to the wine

Tasted on 2010-10-26

Conde de Santar 2005

17.0 / 20

Producer: Dão Sul

Region: Dão

Country: Portugal

Impressive red coming from the Dão.

Starting with an amazing bouquet, where flowers (violets, I think) combine with pepper and vanilla, supported by a sweet (raisins) background. A complex, sophisticated nose where everything is in right proportions.

The taste keeps up with the high standards. Full-bodied, with an amazing acidity and still some very present tannins, it is very well structured and complex. The spices notes are more apparent than the fruit and the amazingly long finale presents the taster with some great cocoa notes.

Would probably grow for some more years in the bottle, but right now it is a really good wine and a great example from the Dão.

Tasted on 2010-10-09

Goisot Bourgogne 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Ghislaine and Jean-Hugues Goisot

Region: Cotes de Auxerre

Country: France

I tasted this the first time at a really nice wine bar that specializes in off beat producers mostly from Europe and I was really surprised by this wine's profile. It's a chardonnay, but it was miles away from most chardonnays I had tasted so far. A lot fresher and showing a lot more vegetable and mineral notes than usual. Anyway, I bought a bottle to try it again.

Having opened it some nights ago, it confirmed my memories. With a discreet bouquet at first, it opens up to some boiled apples and aspargus. After a while, the aspargus takes over, with some mineral notes in the background. A while later, again boiled apples and pears take center stage. A fresh, elegant and complex bouquet.

Tasting it, the aspargus notes are stronger. It is a fairly full-bodied wine, but it is delightfully balanced, so it never gets too heavy or tiring. A really nice acidity helps the ensemble shine, and finishing with an astonishing persistence.

Being a five year old wine, it still has a lot of freshness. I'm curious as to how it will be in a couple of years, as it certainly seems that will last for some time.

Tasted on 2010-09-04

Adega Cooperativa de Borba Reserva 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Adega Cooperativa de Borba

Region: Alentejo

Country: Portugal

When going for a classical, solid Alentejo wine in the 10/15€ range this is a really safe choice.

Garnet in color, the nose gives us red fruit (mostly blackberries), along with some jam and sweet notes. In the background, a hint of vanilla composes a rich and elegant bouquet.

In the mouth, it is a well structured, balanced wine. Very easy to drink and round, with velvety tannins and a good structure. The fruit and jam are present throughout the taste finishing in a medium length aftertaste.

A great example of an Alentejo red: fruity but not overly, structured but without any rough edges.

Tasted on 2010-08-13

Passagem 2005

16.0 / 20

Producer: Quinta das Bandeiras

Region: Douro

Country: Portugal

Dark purple in colour, this Douro shows ripe plums in the nose, combined with violets and just a hint of spices in the background.

It's an elegant wine, combining some tamed but present tannins with the oak and a strong fruity presence. A good lengthy finish wraps up the taste. A good example of a fruity Douro.

Will do great with heavier, more seasoned dishes. A roast goat-kid or a stewed pheasant.

Tasted on 2010-06-03

La Rosa Reserva 2005

18.0 / 20

Producer: Quinta de La Rosa

Region: Douro

Country: Portugal

Great red from the douro. A dark coloured wine, showing flowers (violets), some black fruit and spices in the nose, it is a complex and elegant wine, with the tannins already well integrated and a great and long finish.

We drank it with Roast Lamb with honey and rosemary and a pumpkin risotto on the side. Great pairing.