VALE DO BOMFIM DOURO RESERVA - 2004

This wine from Dow (Symington Family Estates) that are best known for their Ports. It is also the first vintage made under this label. The 2004 Vale do Bomfim has equal parts of Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), with 20 percent Tinta Barocca and 14% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark yet vibrant red color with blackberry, raspberry and vanilla on the nose. Black currant, spice and creamy berry vanilla oak. On the second day this wine really smooths out and becomes sleek although it still has lots of tannin and power. Extremely dry and worth noting that subtle cinnamon aromas emerge on the second day.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89+ PTS

For around $12 a bottle, this is pretty impressive juice. Another example of tremendous value coming out of Portugal. Worth seeking out for its structure and quality.