35 participants gathered at a local wine store to taste some reds from Spain and Portugal. Mike B was there with his charming wife, both looking forward to a cozy weekend in Jasper!! "Are there any good wineshops in Jasper, Bob?". "Best take some wines from the cellar" thought I.
We started off with the `02 Quinta de Roriz Reserva which showed soft tannins, plum, rich cherry, spice and elegance throughout. Drinks nicely now and look out for the Prado! Next up was the `03 Torres Celeste (R del D), a Bruce Hayes favourite. One to put away in my book, powerful, austere, earthy, black fruits, licorice. Decanting might help but needs 4 yrs.
The `01 Ventosilla PradoRey Crianza (R del D) was a big surprise for $26 Cdn, barnyardy nose and tons of grip. Tempranillo with some cab and merlot. Had a very complex nose and I found some burnt oak on the finish. Mike B loved this one and I will be buying for sure when new stock arrives.
The WOTN for me followed, the `04 Quinta do Crasto Rserva "Old Vines" from Portugal. I have other vintages in the cellar, this one kicked a... and moved out of the store afterwards. Beautiful red tinges, sweet violets, blueberry, great mid-palate. Foot stomped in lagares and great buy for $26 Cdn. Next up the `02 Aalto from Spain, a big media/press wine but I was not impressed at this early stage. Cherry, chocolate, nutmeg, tar, big tannins, seems to have a big following however. Finally, the Prats and Symington `03 Chryseia from the Duoro. Big fav on the evening but needs plenty of cellartime. Big price too, over $80 Cdn. Heck of a lot going on and I thought better of this wine after 24 hrs of being open ( I had the dregs). Almost portlike with plum, cherry and lotsa tannin. Modern style wine but not spoofy, Otto.
We all finished off with a taste of the `04 Quinta de Roriz VP, quite nice but almond cake was better!!