TN: Crasto, Portal, Encostas de Estremoz.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

TN: 2008 Quinta do Portal Douro Colheita Tinto.

13.5% alc, $25 Cdn, opened one hour did not decant. 60% T Roriz, 25% Nacional, 15% Franca.

Big dark brooding colour, light-medium purple rim. On the nose pepper, red and black fruits, spice, cherry. `Blackberry` from across the table.
Initial entry is dry, soft tannins, medium-bodied, pepper. Hint of oak and red tone fruit. Earthy, tad smoother than the Crasto I list below. Nice balance, good intensity and character. No chocolate as yet, evolved nicely overnight. Will cellar for a couple of years but nice now.

TN: 2009 Quinta do Crasto Douro Tinto.

Just appeared on the shelf downtown, $25 Cdn. Opened and decanted one hour to give it some air. Opaque ruby, purple rim. Nose shows spice, black fruits, cherry, hint of chocolate. Hint of herbs here too. Palate entry is dry, tannic, earthy, full-bodied. Needs time for sure but good with right food. `Concentrated`from fellow taster as we nibble on some pot stickers (bad choice). I do not find too ripe or raisiny..yet!

TN: 2004 Encostas de Estremoz Grande Escolha, Alentejano.

Can still be purchased for $28 Cdn around here. Bottled in 2007, 18 mths new french oak.
Alicante Bouscheit, T Nacional, T Franca and CS. Lot 5107, opened one hour, no sediment noted.

Colour is a medium red ruby, some bricking on rim. Nose shows some initial funk but blows off, revealing blueberry, cherry, some spice and warmth. `Not really showing much`thought my partner.
Dry, blackberry, slight tannin, needs to lengthen I think. Cherry, pomegranite and a better mouthfeel as it opens. On day 2, quite smooth, some cocoa. Nicely aged for those who want to dabble in Portugal.

[Andy Velebil]

TN: 2009 Quinta do Crasto Douro Tinto.

Just appeared on the shelf downtown, $25 Cdn. Opened and decanted one hour to give it some air. Opaque ruby, purple rim. Nose shows spice, black fruits, cherry, hint of chocolate. Hint of herbs here too. Palate entry is dry, tannic, earthy, full-bodied. Needs time for sure but good with right food. `Concentrated`from fellow taster as we nibble on some pot stickers (bad choice). I do not find too ripe or raisiny..yet!
.

I wasn't a big fan of this wine until the 2008 which saw a marked improvement in overall quality. The 2009 has also continued that improvement and now makes a good value wine. Although I feel sorry for my fellow drinkers in Canada which have to pay those crazy prices.