As I finish up my year-end newsletter which tops out at 120 pages, I need inspiration today and have two bottles which will do the trick. Unfortunately, there won't be tasting notes on this pair until 2016. But you can see they are worthy of the final working, closing out issue #87!
How would you like to be there right now?
Following the Douro up river from Porto, I see a nice place to build a home. Although this photo was taken while on the Rio Douro, I bet the view is more spectacular looking down from up top, with the river in front.
Alvaro van Zeller, is very well known for his extreme talent as winemaker at the Port house of JH Andresen, (and for Danish friends, a very special "25th Anniversary" bottling of celebratory Port). But do any of you know what other projects Alvaro has been involved with in the past or present (WITHOUT turning to Google for help)?
Two rare bottles from the 19th century - RCV.
Happy New Years to our FB friends and family!
The end is near, for this bottle!
Two outstanding Douro wines from Casa Ferreirinha.
From the island of Porto Santo, Madeira.
You're always on my mind ...
GRAHAM'SThe quality speaks for itself!
Quinta do Vallado doesn't get enough press, but they are one of the finest producers in the Douro. I wish it was easier to find their wines in the USA. They make many fabulous bottlings of white and red DOC wines and some stunning Ports too, mostly their wood-aged Ports, but the whole lineup is pretty impressive!
A "cult" wine producer in Portugal's Alentejo, though not well known YET in the USA. That's going to change soon as distribution will ramp up stateside in 2016. In Portugal, everyone knows this producer, and David Marques Ferreira. He is the Managing Director of Herdade do Mouchão, founded in 1901. David has been doing great work for this fine wine producer!
The 2003 Sandeman Vintage Port.It had been several years since I last tried this Vintage Port and it has continued to improve over the past half decade. It was always very good, now it also shows a rich and elegant texture and soft mouthfeel which is really appealing. Worthy of cellaring if you can still find some at a good price!
Marvelous Madeira, I can't wait to get back there in May!
A pair of Portuguese pairs.
After today's football game, I feel like celebrating. This would do nicely.
For lovers of Madeira, a nice casual lineup for a tasting.
2012 Post Scriptum. A very nice wine indeed.
If you think that standing for hours on a steep slope like this could be a challenge, then consider what it would be like bent over, doing back breaking grape picking in the heat of the sun in temperatures often exceedingly hot at 30-40 degrees C.Welcome to the Douro Valley!

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