My `06 Prazo de Roriz. Great way to start the new year!!

WTN: `06 Quinta de Roriz Prado de Roriz, Douro Portugal.

Recent vintages have been well received by the pundits, winery has a long history and was recently purchased by the Symington family.
Good natural cork, decanted 30 mins, 14% alc, $22 Cdn, L 073209.
T Nacional, T Franca, T Barrosa, T Roriz, T Cao blend.

Color. Big inky dark center, purple rim w. red tinges.

Nose. Initially closed but no funk after a previous bottle in Nov Portugal Wine Festival. No heat, airing brings out blueberry and some currant.

Palate. Initial thoughts were dry, low tannins, very good acidity, not a lot of fruit. Medium to full bodied, livens up with my roast leg of lamb. Blueberry follows thro` on the palate with some dusty earthy tones. Much better wine on day 2, more fruit but not portish. Much more solid with some mocha as I type.
I have the `03/`04 so might have to open soon I think. Good wine for $20 I`d say.

WTN: `04 Prazo de Roriz, Douro Portugal

Cellared for over three years, 13.5% alc, good natural cork,opened and decanted for one hour. More than a slight trace of sediment noted, usual 4 suspects of grapes.

Color. Medium ruby, light purple rim. No sign of age yet.

Nose. Very closed, some heat as it airs? `06 nose was more expressive eh. Black fruits but hard to discern. Earthy on day 2.

Initial entry thought was smooth entry, dry, soft tannins, pepper, black fruits. Fair acidity, solid, not port-like. Plum and blackcurrant in the glass after an hour but not a lot of ripeness here. Some cheese nibbles help the finish. "Not too spectacular" from across the table.
More of a rounded finish on day 2, some decent food might have helped.

I am excited today! Fund raiser for the Ed Symphony tonite...Wines of Portugal tasting.
I am helping out on the DeVine Wines table, pouring some port and wines from Crasto. Stay tuned, hope I survive trade tasting in the afternoon!!