2004 Roquette e Cazes Xisto Douro Red

[John M.]

After reading the only TN here (by Andy), I opened this 36 hours in advance of Christmas--turned out to be good advice .

Leathery smell on opening, had some sediment in small taste when opening so decanted. Leathery mouth feel with a hint of grapefruit like tang on finish, you can taste the oak which dominates the flavor. Very dry/tannic--not much fruit. Hints of black pepper. My wife and I sipped this for a few hours before dinner and then with dinner. Much better with food than on its own mainly because it was so dry--yet with food was a great compliment (Beef tenderloin, twice baked potatoes cranberry chutney).

Not a great wine, but a memorable experience.

88 points