Spain and Portugal Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.