Conclusions (14/20) - Acceptable quality, it has a very nice aromatic profile, but it fails to follow up to the palate, which is showing some unripe, green fruit notes that heighten the acidity feel. Quite unbalanced and in need of mellowing components, maybe time could take care of it but I'm uncertain of that as the austere fruit concentration doesn't seem enough. Drink now as a refreshing shellfish companion, if you stock some. Read more...

Approximate retail price - €14

Conclusions (17/20) - Very good quality, very hedonistic drink, although it shows a little riper and concentrated than most Burgundy it is perfectly balanced by a refreshing acidity, that's clearly present but only in a supporting role. Muscular structure, lots of matter, creamy & fluid mouth with velvety tannins, all mellowed out. Full and rich although not heavy, not so Burgundian but so enjoyable. Drinking very well at the moment, wouldn't keep it more than 2 years longer. Can't stop me from sniffing and sipping this one! Read more...

Approximate retail price - €45

Conclusions (15,5/20) - Good quality wine, showing clear sense of place, with an elegant and intense nose, a smooth and polished mouth with a nice fruit definition on the fresh side. Components are fairly balanced but the wine is a bit thin, lacking some concentration and hollowing a bit on the mid palate. Nevertheless a very enjoyable wine from a tough vintage, that's fully ready to drink. Read more...


Approximate retail price - €16

When arriving home from any kind of trip, being it a weekend or a month, there's an overall feeling of withdrawal that I just can't seem to describe quite acurately.

Some people have the blues derived from long periods away from home, I guess I feel blue whenever I spend too much time at home.

Travelling always seems such a fleeting moment after so much planning and anticipation that I just can't help developing a massive hangover state upon my return. But this could just be from my over eating and drinking...

With this said I have to stop stalling and report about my recent visits to Coimbra and Évora!

Conclusions (15/20) - good quality wine, has a nice fruit definition, a silky voluptuous mouth-feel, and although on the ripe side and lacking in acidity it still manages to be a pretty enjoyable drink. It has sense of place, showing off the high sugar levels grapes can attain in the Algarve. Very easy to like, hedonistic and with good drink ability, I can see it flying off the shelves of Algarve stores in the summer. Main flaw for me, I wish I could find more Syrah in it. Read more...

Approximate retail price -  €8,50

Conclusions (16/20) - Good quality wine, shows sense of place, a nice balance and considerable structure. I really like the tenacity in this wine, although it shows a marked austerity with slightly harsh tannins, it still manages to deliver some nice ripe fruit and fresh balsamic notes. This is clearly a wine to be drank with food, perfect for stews based on red meat with strong seasoning. I'm curious to follow its evolution for the next 3 to 5 years. Read more...

Approximate retail price - €5,30

Conclusions (16/20) - very good wine, well defined fresh fruits, the citric and green notes balanced by the tropical undertone, zesty character from the refreshing acidity and a nice structured, supple palate. A wine that lets the grape variety shine, very well made. A refreshing drink but perfect for fatty fish dishes. Read more...


Approximate retail price - €9,50

Conclusions (15,5/20) Showing good quality, 10 steps ahead of most Portuguese rosé wines, serious without being complicated, very fresh and lively with an elegant profile in terms of aromatics and structure. A fluid texture, super clean, balanced and delicate. Very freshly perfumed, this wine is perfect to drink as an aperitif, but has sufficient arguments to match well with sea food, salads and delicate fish dishes like sushi and sashimi. Drink now, not intended for ageing, although it will keep fresh until next years Summer. Read more...

Approximate retail price - €9,50