For The Love Of Port

This wine is a blend of Aragones, Trincadeira, and Castelao. It has a 14% ABV. (According to the producer's website, the 2009 has 13.5% ABV, interestingly enough.) I figured for $8 it was worth a try. Last night, when I first opened it, it was a bit out of whack acid-wise. After a little while the wine started to reveal itself, and the acid left center stage. The fruit showed up well, though there was some of the high ABV taste that I can't seem to describe, but I notice it often enough when I try a higher ABV wine. I don't know if I imagine this phenomenon or if it's real, but it's there often enough in a 14% ABV wine. I think the 13.5% for 2009 is a step in the right direction. Aside from all that I've said here, $8 is a good price, and it went great with my Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese tonight, but for the higher ABV Alentejo red, for only a few dollars more, I'd definitely go with the Tinto da Anfora.

TJ's often stocks some decent Portugal wines that are a darn good value. Unfortunately their selection is very store selective and can't be found in all areas. I haven't seen this one at the store near me but sounds like a decent bottle for the price. I'll have to keep an eye out for it, or the 2009.

Sorry the post wasn't clear, but only the Mac and Cheese was from TJ's. (I absolutely love their Mac and Cheese.) I found this bottle at a place called Wine Discount Center, which has a few locations around Chicagoland. I have seen it around elsewhere, though I can't remember where else off the top of my head. I think this store is cheaper than most others I've been to. I got a bottle of Twisted there for only $14, which is less than the usual $16-18 I see it selling for in the few places that carry it here.

My TJ's doesn't stock many Portuguese table wines, aside from the $4 Espiral Vinho Verde that I've always been fond of. It does have the 2007 Quarles Harris VP that has been discussed here, though.

In that case I won't check my local TJ

As for their $4 Vinha Verde, I agree with you that it's a darn good bottle and even more so when you consider how inexpensive it is.