Portuguese Wine

The grape here is 100% Arinto, pure, fresh and mineral, Pale green-gold in colour this has an intense, aromatic nose with citric and orchard fruit notes. On the palate it is bright, with fine intensity and minerality – a Godsend with shellfish

Paulo and Alice Tavares da Silva bought this historic Quinta in the Eighties and immediately set about investing in the property. This is a lovely property, 45 hectares in size, in Alenquer region, northeast of Lisbon – beautifully sited. Here traditionalism blends with modernity, producing wines with a lightness of touch and refreshing aromatics.

This evokes a sense of warmth and welcome, with delicately spiced black fruits on the nose, blackcurrant and wild blackberry, with stony undertones. The palate echoes the aromatics, complemented by fresh, understated acidity. That freshness, allied to mineral notes, gives a sense of energy and focus throughout an upbeat, pepper-spiced finish.

Warre's Otima is a classic, well-balanced 10 year-old Tawny Port

Fresh orchard fruit, laced with citrus, flowers and minerals, driven and pure with real focus and a richness derived from extended lees contact – lovely wine, harmonious and poised.

Sandra Tavares and Jorge Terodio Borges established the acclaimed Wine & Soul (Flagship Pintas) in the Douro. Then an opportunity arose; holdings held for generations by Jorge’s family. These were the old vineyards of Quinta da Manoella, in the Cima Corgo. Unlike Pintas, the plantings here are a known quantity rather than a field blend, namely Gouveio, Rabigato Viosinho and Codega do Larinho

Henriques & Henriques Malvasia 10 year old 50cl

Typically Warre’s in its feminine charm, exuding floral aromas of violets and rockrose. Supple, ripe black fruit flavours, underscored by fresh acidity, rendering superb balance and elegance. Long, lingering finish with delicate tea-leaf notes

Graham Vintage Port 2016 Halves

Henriques & Henriques Sercial 15 year old 50cl

A very bright, intense plum, jet-shot, this presents very pure fresh fruit, less of the candied cherry character found in previous vintages and with a floral edge and an earthy intrigue. The palate is pepper spiced and rich in dark and red fruit, warm pain aux raisins and Bakewell tart. This has real character, silken whilst retain tannic form and edge – fabulous wine with grilled and roasted meats and char-grilled vegetables.

Casa de Casal de Loivos 2012

Henriques & Henriques Bual 15 year old 50cl

Henriques & Henriques Verdelho 15 year old 50cl

The fresh, intoxicating blackberry fruit aromas are enhanced by a wonderfully aromatic, scented quality. A huge amount of depth and backbone to this finely tuned Port. Everything is in harmony and perfect balance. The dark berry fruit flavours marry exquisitely with the tannins, leaving the mouth aching for more. A very fine wine.

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria 2013

!00% Touriga Nacional, around 31 years old produce a rich ruby-violet wine, heady with back fruits and floral aromatics. There is a lovely freshness and the structure, though powerful is well-integrated, coated in fruit

Orange rind, almonds, crystallised ginger and nutmeg. Warming, nutty, fresh and oh so drinkable. Is Christmas Christmas without Tawny Port…?

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2013

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Port 2016

VZ Port Lemos & Van Zeller 2015

Quinta da Manoella VV Wine & Soul 2013

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2014

Quinta da Manoella VV Wine & Soul 2014

CV Curriculum Vitae Quinta do Vale Dona Maria 2014

Jet-ruby in colour, intense and brilliant, this is rather lovely and certainly a fine ambassador for this vineyard. A flourish of fruit, flowers and herbs on the nose, is complemented by a dusting of pepper and some background smoky, savoury appeal. The palate is similarly aromatic, underpinned by minerals and cocoa tannins. Combining a sense of nobility with such fragranced appeal is rather special – refined through to a long, layered, harmonious finish.

Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2015

Quinta da Manoella VV Wine & Soul 2015

Quinta do Noval Vintage Port 2000

CV Curriculum Vitae Quinta do Vale Dona Maria 2015