Continuing with the backlog . . . . I suppose I could have put these in the current month's focus, but since they are from several months ago, I opted not to.
A friend of mine brought these back from a trip to Portugal a few years ago (along with quite a few excellent Ports he's also shared with me). Until I had this pair, the only dry Portuguese reds I had had were all from the Douro. These were quite a different animal.
Casa de Alegrete, Alentejo 2004
Medium garnet. Pummy, raiseny nose, with perhaps a hint of roses. Notes of blackberry, cassis, red plum, roses, a suggestion of dark chocolate, and allspice, all with prominent notes of tar and raisens. Mellow, with some attractive lushness, and generous acidity. To the Bordeaux palate, this might seem tired, but I'm not certain if that is simply a stylistic difference. Might have been better a year or two ago, but there is something hedonistically satisfying about this wine. Drink now. Aragones, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet. Very Good (84 - 88). [10/16/10]
Herdade do Pombal, Alentejo 2005
Dark ruby. Raisen, cassis, plum, tar, cloves. Generous acidity; best with food at this stage. A bit of Cab. Sauv. cassis and structure showing through here. I would say drink now, but this may mellow very nicely over the next few years. Arognes, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and bit of Cab. Sauv. Very Good (84 - 88). [10/16/10]