Another LWS, This time Ports, Madeira and Montillas

Last night I attended a local wine store's fortified wine tasting. The wines were pre-poured and we were led thru the tasting by a local wine rep who had some great stories. The tasting lasted about two hours. Cheeses, breads, cookies and chocolate were served. It was a fun tasting and i always learn things at these types of events. The wines were well paced and ti was nice to be able to revisit some favorites and try some new ones.

• NV Broadbent Vinho Verde 88 Points

  Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde

  This is always such a great value. From the Lot number code it appears this was released in 2016. Very pale silvery gold in color. There is some spritz to it. Green apples on the nose. The palate is pretty lively. Easy to drink. It has a nice acidity although it has a short finish. Low in alcohol. For $10, this is a really nice. Now, if the weather would warm up and I could drink it out on the patio.

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• NV Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) Madeira Historic Series Charleston Sercial Special Reserve 93 Points

  Portugal, Madeira

  I have had this many time and it always shows so well. A great start to the tasting. This series is a great way to figure out what kinds of Madeira one likes without spending too much money. Iced tea in color. Clear and bright. Th nose is dusty, slightly oxidized, caramel and slight orange. Full bodied. On the palate, dry with a perception of sweetness. Caramel, slightly butty. Great acidity. A wallop of orange citrus on the finish. Turned out to be my WOTN.

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• NV Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) Madeira Historic Series New York Malmsey Special Reserve 93 Points

  Portugal, Madeira

  I really liked this one too. Coffee color, clear and bright. The nose has burnt sugar, slight banana, and orange zest. On the palate, this is slightly sweet but just a bit. Nutty with a sort of herbal/menthol note. Warming but not hot. Good acidity but less than the Charleston. Good finish.

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• 2009 Quinta do Noval Porto Late Bottled Vintage 91 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  This is good and represents nice value in the world of Port. Purple in color, slightly inky. It is very tight. The glass was poured ahead but I am not sure how far. With some vigorous swirling it opens. The nose has black cherries with a bit of cough medicine. On the palate, this is weet but not overtly. Flavors of Chambord, slight chocolate with some raisin. Plums move in on the finish. It is very nice but needs some air or five years. $25

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• 2013 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage 91 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Lots of upside here. In the past, I would not think of opening a VP so early, but it does seem like they make them more accessible now. Maybe not so much for this one though. At $100, it seems foolish to open this now. It is very tight and needs a lot of air. Inky purple in color. The nose has dark cherries and dark chocolate although very tight. It is intense on the palate, like a bottomless pit. Very smooth on the much heat. Some dark cherry fruit. Nice finish. Lots of people oohed and ahhed at this but for me, it was powerful but today, no better than the LBV. I would guess it to have 4 or 5 points of upside if you have the time. Seriously, if i was serving this on a Saturday, I would open on Monday to breathe and decant it on Saturday morning for 8 hours. Fun to get a test of it now though.

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• NV Quinta do Noval Porto 10 Year Old Tawny 90 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Ruby/burnt amber in color. Clear and bright. The nose has cherries, alcohol and an interesting roasted/fresh herb note. On the palate, cherries and black licorice. Slightly clipped on the finish. I liked this wine, not sure of the Lot No. $35 A nice wine to drink slowly over the next couple of months.

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• NV Alvear Pedro Ximénez Montilla-Moriles Solera 1927 91 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Montilla-Moriles

  I have been drinking this wine for a long time. It must be 15 years since Parker reviewed very positively and it was under $20 at the time. Its up to $30 which would still be very fair. It does seem to me though that over time, the quality has gone down a bit. Not sure if it is the same blend, but this bottle did not seem to reach the heights of prior bottlings. That said, it still is an outstanding wine. Coffee in color with the slightest green tinge left coating the glass. The nose has coffee, a vegetable note, perhaps asparagus?, and burnt sugar. On the palate, thick and viscous. A bit of that Tootsie Roll quality I have noted in the past but not as boisterous. sweet but not cloying but then it really gets sweet on the finish. A little goes a very long way, but a nice way to finish a meal.

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• 2014 Alvear Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximénez de Añada 91 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Montilla-Moriles

  Though very close, I preferred this to the Solera 1927 for the same price of $30. Iced tea in color with some green. Lighter in color than the 1927. The nose has tea, oranges and slightly nutty. It is viscous and very smooth. Sweet not cloying. Also some nuttiness on the palate and citrus. Long finish. Better acidity than the 1927. It seems livelier and far easier to match with foods.

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Thanks to Kathi, Salena and Lorne (doesn't anyone in the shop spell their name right ;-) ?) for a great time. And special thanks to Kathi for helping me find the Lot number on the Vinho Verde!