BOTANI SIERRAS DE MALAGA MOSCATEL SECO - 2009

100% Moscatel de Alejandria.  13.5% alcohol. Made in Spain. A collaborative effort of Jorge Ordonez, his family and the Kracher family from Austria.


TASTING NOTES:


Fresh and crisp like an ocean breeze.  Pale yellow-green color with wonderful flavors and aromas of tropical fruits and flowers.  Deceptively dry, as it gives the illusion that it is a white with residual sugar.  Hints of orange, spice and minerality linger beneath the surface.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


92+ PTS
I've been wanting to review this wine for awhile. I buy a bottle. I savor it and never really write down any tasting notes.  I'll review it when I open the next bottle I say to myself. And so the pattern repeats itself.  This is one of my favorite white wines of the year. Smooth, refreshing and pairs wonderfully with so many foods. Fruity and delicious for only $15.

PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - 2006

14.5% alcohol.   100% Sangiovese.


TASTING NOTES:


Dark red color with rich mocha, blackberry, toasted oak, black cherry and spice.  Ripe plum on the mid-palate and finish.  Smooth yet bold and structured.  


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


92 PTS
This earthy, terrior-driven red was rated 95 PTS from WE and 94 from WS.  While it is definitely a fine red with some elegance, complexity and richness, it does not have the "wow" factor to justify a higher score. Retails for around $50 a bottle making it an expensive offering and tough to recommend.

DUORUM TONS DOURO RED - 2009

50% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinta Roriz.  13% alcohol


TASTING NOTES:


Dark red color with aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currants, plum and cherry.  Mocha notes on the mid-palate give way to grainy tannins a fairly smooth finish.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


88 PTS
For $12, this is a great Douro.  Clean smooth flavors with some depth.  Balanced and very approachable. Great value.