I get to taste some new Portuguese wines!!

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Marc Vigneron from the Loire Valley is a very good agent with a wide-ranging portfolio. Marc used to work in Edmonton but now has a B`n B near Angers. He has a strong Bordeaux portfolio but is venturing into Portugal so all good news!!

The Whites.

`08 Herdade dos Grous, Alentejano.

Arinto, Roupeiro and Antao Vaz blend. Very aromatic nose, better as it warms. Nicely structured, harmonious, would be good with pork and clams. Not going to be cheap!

`07 Herdade dos Grous Reserva.

Unusual blend of Antoa Vaz, Verdelho, Viognier. Not much for a nose and does not have the palate of the above. Non-descript, viognier hardly noted, neutral all round. Heavy and dull.

The website is not that informative, not in English.

Reds.

`07 Herdade dos Grous Reserva.

Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Tinta Miuda (?). Vanilla, some tannins, pomegranite. Black fruits, long finish. Nice but $$$$?

`07 Grous Moon Harvester.

100% A Bouschet!! Very good acidity, juicy, not a big structured wine. Cranberry, kirsch, pungent. I liked this a lot. Price n/a. Will buy when here.

`07 Castelo de Estremoz Tinto Alentejano.

Quite dry, tannic, needs time. Nothing special, "no-brainer" I heard!

`05 Quinta da Esperanca Alentejano.

Think Syrah in here? Burnt nose, over toast. Big tannins, would want to explore some more. Could be $60 ish, how much time for this one to come around? Its already 5 yrs.

[Andy Velebil]

Bob,
thanks for the TN's on these. I can't say I've had any of those yet, so I am glad you posted on them.