Bright purple in the glass.  Plums and black berry come off on the palate with some earthiness that I love in Portuguese wines.  There’s a dusty component reminiscent of desert air that pops up as well.  On the palate it has telltale Tinto Roriz and Touriga Nacional notes.  There’s a tar component alongside spice box and blackberry.  The tannins are very integrated, of medium intensity and not astringent.  I like the mouthfeel and the balance is great.  The mid palate and finish are both steeped in black fruits and that spiciness.  The dry, dusty notes I mentioned earlier slip back in right at the end.  This is a tasty wine that gets 91 points from me.  The $40 price point makes it a 4 star effort.  Salut….

I have said it recently and i will affirm it again- Portugal is a go-to wine source.  In tonight’s case, I needed something full of flavor to go with Braised Lamb Shanks in Rosemary Mint sauce.  Sounds fancy huh?  Costco…

This particular wine rings in at $11 and was worth a punt when I saw it with free shipping.  Here goes-  It comes in at 13% and is a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz and 20% Baga.  It is of medium shade in the glass and has no ‘legs’.  The nose is of dark fruits and wood smoke.  I also get some spice, like cinnamon.  On the palate, this wine is very soft, gentle and supple.  The flavors of black cherry, plum and espresso are very tasty.  The mid palate shows off some very fine tannins and an earthiness along with cherry.  The finish is somewhat tart, with acidity coming through as cherry and rhubarb.  This wine is rocking the full flavored Lamb and has just the right amount of acidity to cut the fat while the flavors complement the herbs of the dish.  I am going 90 points and 5 stars for this bargain.  Drink now till 2022.  Salut….

I normally find good value in Portuguese wine.  This one was only $8 and sports a 90 point WE score.  Very impressive.

In the glass, it is thinner than I was expecting, more opaque.  On the nose I get black berries and bramble.  A hint of earthiness peeks through as well.  On the palate is where it’s at.  A much more concentrated wine than I was expecting.  Dark plums, sweet black berries and some very gentle acidity to go along with the very well integrated tannins.  The mid palate is super smooth and delicious, more of the berries plus a hint of capsicum.  The finish is really nice with some very fine tannins that are barely perceptible.  The fruit lingers for a while and the acidity tapers off.  Overall this is an outstanding wine, worthy of the 90 points and for sure a 5 star effort.  I will be buying more.  It is a blend of Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.  Serve now with grilled Chorizo, eggplant baba ganoush or even a moussaka.  Loving it.  Salut….