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Spain and Portugal
Reviews for 2021

March 2021 - Spain and Portugal

March 2021 - Spain and Portugal
This month's Wine feature is Spanish and Portuguese Wines

Spain and Portugal Reviews

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Opta 2018 Branco White Blend Dao
93 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Opta
2018 Branco White Blend Dao
Pale bright golden straw color. Waxy aromas and flavors of orange oil, lemon pith, jasmine, and pineapple skin with a round, racy, dry medium-full body and a warming, compelling, medium-long finish conveying notes of lemon zest, honey, lime peel, ginger, and celery seed with fine tannins. A bright and balanced Portuguese white that sings of crisp breezes and wild flower fields.
93 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Fernandez Gomez 2017 Selección Familia Rioja DOC
93 points
$19.99
Best Buy
Fernandez Gomez
2017 Selección Familia Rioja DOC
Dark deep purple color. Inviting aromas and flavors of mocha latte, lingonberry preserves, lemon zest, coconut custard, and black olives with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, nuanced, long finish with notes of caramelized nuts with moderate oak flavor. An inviting and balanced Rioja with a lipsmacking, lengthy finish.
Awards: 2021 Best Value Rioja
93 points $19.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Portal del Priorat 2018 Negre de Negres Priorat
93 points
$38.99
Portal del Priorat
2018 Negre de Negres Priorat
Medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of purple fruit, black plum, black cherry, and barnyard with a supple, lively, dry medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-length finish with elements of violet, leather, and black pepper with fine, chalky tannins and no oak flavor. A Priorat that balances savory and black fruit notes, superbly balanced in every way.
Awards: 2021 Best Spanish Red
93 points $38.99
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Date Tasted:
Bodegas Borsao 2016 Berola Campo de Borja
92 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Bodegas Borsao
2016 Berola Campo de Borja
Deep purple color. Inviting aromas and flavors of dried cherries, leather, olive, charcoal, violets, and cigar box with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-long finish revealing touches of tangy rhubarb compote, black tea, and cedar with moderate oak flavor. A yummy, palate-pleasing Spanish red that nails each note.
92 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Portal del Priorat 2017 Gotes Priorat
92 points
$24.99
Portal del Priorat
2017 Gotes Priorat
Medium ruby color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, slate, black plum, and leather with a silky, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, gigantic, long finish manifesting accents of black raspberry, violet, dried thyme, roast coffee, black olive, bay leaf, and black pepper with a suggestion of oak flavor. A delightful Priorat, enjoyable now or in 3-6 years
92 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro 2018 Tinto Arzuaga Crianza Ribera Del Duero
92 points
$32
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro
2018 Tinto Arzuaga Crianza Ribera Del Duero
Indigo color. Aromas of cassis preserves, cinnamon, cumin, shaved coconut, lemon zest, leather, and green olives with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, long hints of roasted coffee beans, cured meats, and dark chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. An indulgent Ribera del Duero with a kaleidoscope of harmonizing flavors.
92 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Portal del Priorat 2017 Luno Montsant
91 points
$18.99
Portal del Priorat
2017 Luno Montsant
Medium ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of red apple, strawberry juice, black cherry, and red twizzlers with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length finish with overtones of red plum, licorice, graphite, and sweet paprika with no oak flavor. A plush red with bright red fruit flavors ready for food pairings.
91 points $18.99
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Date Tasted:
Opta 2017 Dao
90 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Opta
2017 Dao
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of dark berries, licorice, cocoa-dusted toffee, rose, spiced nuts, and cedar with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, complex, medium-long finish. An earthy, table-tuned Portuguese Red with style.
90 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Bodegas Borsao 2016 Cabriola Campo de Borja
90 points
$16.99
Best Buy
Bodegas Borsao
2016 Cabriola Campo de Borja
Garnet black color. Inviting aromas and flavors of kirsch, tobacco, licorice, ripe red apples, and toasty croutons with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a polished, compelling, medium-length finish revealing accents of cherry tea with light oak flavor. A bright and juicy Spanish red that craves food.
90 points $16.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Porto Meneres NV 20 Years Old Douro
90 points
$49.99
Porto Meneres
NV 20 Years Old Douro
Brown brick red color. Aromas of salted caramel, butterscotch, dried orange, sun dried tomato, and toasted coconut with a round, lively, sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long cocoa butter, blood orange flesh, spiced lemon cookies, sweet toffee with hazelnuts, and espresso crema finish with light oak flavor. A tasty, caramelly 20 Year Tawny Porto that will finish the meal in style.
90 points $49.99
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Date Tasted:
Portal del Priorat 2016 Somni Priorat
90 points
$68.99
Portal del Priorat
2016 Somni Priorat
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of fresh turned soil, cooked strawberry, tree bark, and blood orange with a supple, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish with accents of tapenade, black licorice, sun baked stone, and black tea with fine, well-integrated tannins and no oak flavor. A rich, yet nuanced red with floral, savory, and fruit notes.
90 points $68.99
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Date Tasted:
Caiu A Noite 2020 Vinho Verde DOC
89 points
$10
Best Buy
Caiu A Noite
2020 Vinho Verde DOC
Emerald straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of ripe pear, guanabana, taffy, banana, and coriander with a supple, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish that exhibits accents of lime spritz and wet stone with no oak flavor. A joyous Vinho Verde with great citrusy pop and a mineral-driven finish.
89 points $10 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Casa Ferreirinha 2018 Esteva Douro
89 points
$12
Best Buy
Casa Ferreirinha
2018 Esteva Douro
Deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, ripe mulberries, orange zest, and spice cookies with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length firm black plum, cardamom, and rose finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold Portuguese Red boasting balanced and shapeshifting flavors.
89 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Dorina Lindemann 2017 Jovem Touriga Nacional
89 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Dorina Lindemann
2017 Jovem Touriga Nacional
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry, wild plum, violet petals, and blackberry with a soft, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-to-long finish with notes of vanilla and raspberries and cream with drying, fine tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A rich, juicy red with sophisticated floral nuances.
89 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Dorina Lindemann 2017 Reserva Tinto Alentejo
89 points
$16.99
Dorina Lindemann
2017 Reserva Tinto Alentejo
Medium ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of roasted coffee, leather, grilled plum, and black tea with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length finish displaying elements of fig and honey roasted almonds with fine, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A bold, yet nuanced red with rich savory flair.
89 points $16.99
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Date Tasted:
VARA 2019 Viura
89 points
$17
VARA
2019 Viura
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of yellow peach, pineapple, orange blossom, sun-baked slate, and jasmine with a supple, vibrant, dry light body and a seamless, appealing, medium-length finish manifesting notes of clementine and tropical punch with no oak flavor. A delicious, dry-yet-fruity Spanish White with vibrant citrus and floral notes.
89 points $17
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Date Tasted:
Dorina Lindemann 2015 Sel. 16 Touriga Nacional
89 points
$24.99
Dorina Lindemann
2015 Sel. 16 Touriga Nacional
Medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry vinaigrette, black plum, balsamic, and leather with a supple, lively, dry medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish with accents of fresh soil with medium, drying tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A rich and balanced red that can stand on its own.
89 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Porto Meneres NV 10 Years Old Douro
89 points
$34.99
Porto Meneres
NV 10 Years Old Douro
Burnt sienna color. Aromas of salted Marcona almonds, dried leaves, allspice, clove, caramel, butterscotch, and dried peach with a satiny, vibrant, sweet medium body and an effortless, compelling, medium-long vanilla-almond bark finish with moderate oak flavor. A satisfying 10-Year Tawny Port with delicate spice and the rich caramelly notes you crave.
89 points $34.99
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Date Tasted:
Altimo 2019 Red Blend Dao
88 points
$12
Best Buy
Altimo
2019 Red Blend Dao
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of grilled plum, horse blanket, hints of smoked meats, and cedar with a supple, crisp, dryish medium body and a smooth, engaging, medium-length finish revealing touches of leather and nuts with moderate oak flavor. A chewy and plummy everyday red that will pair with most any beef or pork dish.
88 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Cais Da Ribeira 2018 Reserva Douro
88 points
$13
Best Buy
Cais Da Ribeira
2018 Reserva Douro
Deep purple color. Fruity aromas of ripe blackberry, pickled mulberry, orange zest, cinnamon stick, coconut, and bay with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, compelling, medium-to-long vanilla latte, ganache, toasted nuts, and pastry finish with moderate oak flavor. A rich, fruity, oaky Red to sip all on its own or pair with shared plates and great company.
88 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Palacio Del Burgo 2018 Tinto Rioja
88 points
$13
Best Buy
Palacio Del Burgo
2018 Tinto Rioja
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of toasted baguette with spiced butter, pumpkin cake, and plum preserves with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish revealing accents of sun dried tomatoes and olives with moderate oak flavor. A light, oaky, savory Rioja that will be a charmer at the table.
88 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
VARA 2019 Tempranillo
88 points
$18
VARA
2019 Tempranillo
Dark ruby color. Inviting, oaky aromas of black olives, pickled cherries, cola, bourbon barrel, and gremolata with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium body and a smooth, charming, medium-length pickled tomato and leather finish with moderate oak flavor. A solid everyday Tempranillo with pure Spanish flavors.
88 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Fernandez Gomez 2018 Selección Familia Rioja DOC
88 points
$19.99
Fernandez Gomez
2018 Selección Familia Rioja DOC
Medium straw color. Aromas and flavors of white peach, cream, and vanilla with a round, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length finish with overtones of yellow apple and coconut with fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich-yet-crisp modern white Rioja.
88 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Cais Da Ribeira 2019 Douro
87 points
$9
Best Buy
Cais Da Ribeira
2019 Douro
Dusty ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of spiced tomatoes, cocoa powder, blueberry pastry, feta, and raisins with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with accents of hazelnuts and spice cabinet with light oak flavor. A well-structured, balanced and slatey Portuguese Red that won’t let you down.
87 points $9 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Vidigal 2017 Reserva Vinho Regional Lisboa
87 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Vidigal
2017 Reserva Vinho Regional Lisboa
Medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, violet, raspberry vinaigrette, and papaya with a lean, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, intriguing, breezy finish conveying shades of raspberry leaf, strawberry crush, and blonde roast coffee with fine, well-integrated tannins and no oak flavor. A bright and crisp red that is bursting with dark fruit flavors
87 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Toza 2017 Crianza Monastrell
87 points
$18
Toza
2017 Crianza Monastrell
Ruby black color. Interesting aromas and flavors of fragrant peppercorns, Masala chai, and honey with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish imparting elements of toasty bread crusts with Nutella and light oak flavor. An interesting spicy quaffer for everyday indulging.
87 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Dorina Lindemann 2015 Sel. 9 Tinta Barroca
87 points
$24.99
Dorina Lindemann
2015 Sel. 9 Tinta Barroca
Medium garnet color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, pomegranate juice, and vanilla bean with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a peppery, compelling, medium-long finish conveying impressions of black tea and leather with drying, fine, grippy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A tangy red with bright red fruits and sweet vanilla notes.
87 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Porto Meneres 2013 LBV Douro
86 points
$19.99
Porto Meneres
2013 LBV Douro
Black garnet color. Aromas of spiced raisins and figs, cinnamon, black tea, cedar, teriyaki, and tonka bean with a round, crisp, sweet medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length chocolate-covered butterscotch, candied apple, orange marmalade, and white pepper finish with light oak flavor. A solid LBV Port that will be versatile in cocktails and with desserts.
86 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Off The Hook NV Merlot
85 points
$9
Off The Hook
NV Merlot
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, wet earth, rosehip jam on raisin soda bread, and roasted peppers with a lean, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and an effortless, swift finish conveying notes of raspberry tea with no oak flavor. A lean and crowd-friendly Merlot.
85 points $9
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Date Tasted:
Mateus 2020 Dry Rosé Portugal
85 points
$12
Mateus
2020 Dry Rosé Portugal
Silvery pink color. Aromas and flavors of watermelon candies and granny smith apple with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, breezy finish with accents of white cherries and cranberries with papery tannins and no oak flavor. A subtle and quaffable Rosé for hot days.
85 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Opta 2015 Touriga Nacional
85 points
$12.99
Opta
2015 Touriga Nacional
Dusty black ruby color. Earthy aromas and flavors of fertile earth, grape leaves, sarsaparilla, and sweet cream gelato with a satiny, dry light body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length finish imparting notes of leather with moderate oak flavor. A chewy, Old World red that will pair well at the rustic table.
85 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Vidigal 2019 Vinho Verde DOC
85 points
$12.99
Vidigal
2019 Vinho Verde DOC
Silvery emerald straw color. Aromas of flint, dried granny smith apples, and soufflé with a lean, vibrant, petillant, dryish light body and a smooth, breezy lemon-honey vinaigrette finish with no oak flavor. A lean and refreshing Vinho Verde for casual daytime indulging.
85 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
VARA 2019 Grenache
85 points
$18
VARA
2019 Grenache
Violet color. Fruity aromas of blackberry tea, sage, compressed watermelon, and fresh mint with a supple, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and an effortless, medium-length cherry jam and fruit punch finish with no oak flavor. A bright, juicy and fruity quaffer in a crowd-pleasing style.
85 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Off The Hook NV Cabernet Sauvignon
84 points
$9
Off The Hook
NV Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark dusty garnet color. Fruity aromas of mixed berry syrup, cherry chapstick, and cola with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a polished, swift chocolate chips, cedar shavings, and cajeta finish with moderate oak flavor. A simple red quaffer for weeknight pairing and casual sips.
84 points $9
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Date Tasted:
Off The Hook NV Chardonnay
84 points
$9
Off The Hook
NV Chardonnay
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of lemon rind, underripe apple, and buttered toast with a lean, soft, dry light body and a seamless, brisk finish with no oak flavor. A simple, soft quaffer.
84 points $9
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Date Tasted:
Porto Meneres NV Porto Fine Ruby Douro
84 points
$15.99
Porto Meneres
NV Porto Fine Ruby Douro
Dusty ruby color. Aromas of fruit cake, dried cranberry, and almond icing with a satiny, crisp, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a warming, medium-length chocolate covered cherries and spearmint finish with light oak flavor. A light-on-its-feet port for Porto tonicos and more.
84 points $15.99
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Date Tasted:
VAYCAY NV Red Sangria Spain
84 points
$18.99
VAYCAY
NV Red Sangria Spain
Siam color. Aromas and flavors of lanolin, cranberry, strawberries, geranium, and cinnamon-orange tisane with a satiny, crisp, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a seamless, brisk finish with no oak flavor. A light and not-too-sweet Sangria to serve with a good chill.
84 points $18.99
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Date Tasted:
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