From the Algarve, Portugal with all apparent and attendant love; produce of 100% Negra Mole fruit from 40+ year old vines planted to iron-rich sandy loess mixed with limestone (known locally as arenitos) at 250+ feet above sea level, with the cool maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean only some 5 miles away and warmed by the Levante winds from Africa. The fruit is harvested by hand into small 20 kilogram crates, crushed gently by foot before undergoing a pre-fermentation maceration for 5 days. It is then fermented slow and cool in stainless steel and aged for 10 months prior to bottling. Oh so translucent ruby at the core to garnet/ruby/fuchsia toward the edges with alluring fragrance suggestive of cherry and wild strawberry, prickly pear, rose petals/rose hips and notions of damp earth; Pinot Noir or Grenache-like supple and silky on the tongue (the wine takes on more volume and breadth with air) but with an underlying nerve and fine granular tannins that keep things balanced and energized. Vinho muito delicioso do Algarve, Portugal. To be sure, we find this a most unique and delicious wine sure to appeal to lovers of more delicate southern Rhône Valley wines, Burgundy, Etna et al.

Produce of 100% Encruzado grapes grown in the Dão about an hour's drive almost due south of the heart of the Douro. Encruzado yields a wine that when, as in this case, is well-made can perform much like a fine white Burgundy and, yet, there is a more tactile quality and a breadth to be enjoyed (even moreso with bottle age) that perhaps Chardonnay (anywhere near this wine in price) is more hard-pressed to give. Discreet aromas that hint at citrus flower, lemon peel and pith, white peppercorn and stone; at once both full and mineral crisp on the palate with impressive intensity of flavor and breadth and outright power in reserve; one can easily sense the benefit of aging a bit of this a good bit longer but, then, all of a sudden, we find the bottle is already empty.

Produce of a typical Dão blend (Lote means blend or batch in Português) of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Jaen (Mencía) and Alfrocheiro; rich almost sanguine ruby red in color with an old world allure and vinosidade what with aromas at once both resinous and floral and suggestion of spiced plum and plump berries hanging above an arid vineyard floor at the peak of season; sophisticated and smooth, fully dry, but still country onto the tongue with both complexity and generosity of flavor and an embracing warmth on the finish.

Produce of 100% Alvarinho (aka Albariño in España) fruit from the "garden vineyards" planted to granitic soils on the southern banks of the river Minho in far northern Portugal (across from Galicia in northwestern Spain); rather immediate aromas suggestive of wine-moistened stone, flowers and orchard fruits like peach and apple (Darcie noted honeysuckle and fresh green herbal qualities); crisp, mineral tang on the tongue and then a gentler redondeza and salt-sea salinity (the Atlantic is a beautiful thing indeed from this perspective), finishing innervating and fresh and just begging another pull. This one will compliment both the freshest catch or the finest tin of Iberian conservas and is so highly recommended to beat the typical Texas heat.

A new white wine bottling by the Symington Family and the House of Dow from the Douro River valley of Portugal, a blend of soon sure to be household names in white wine grape varieties: 45% Malvasia Fina, 25% Rabigato, 20% Viosinho and 10% Arinto grown in higher elevation sites that give freshness and acidity to the eventual wines. It may be that the Malvasia Fina dominates the initial aromatic impression giving suggestion of mildly exotic citrus the likes of kumquat or bergamot orange along with quince and uma mistura de flores (Symington themselves suggest apricot, peach and pineapple with some subtle honeysuckle fragrance in the background); ample and rounded on the tongue, a tactile white wine, to be sure, but with an engaging freshness and zing and not insignificant mouthwateringly saline quality that quite simply titilates the tastebuds. Our winebuyer has noted that the Douro Valley can seemingly successfully grow most anything it chooses. It is, just the same, thrilling that one of our favorite sources for fine dry red table wines (and, of course, Porto) can also produce such delicious, fresh and so clearly useful a dry white wine. Olé !

From Douro Valley vineyards of the Symington family in northern Portugal, including the Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, which have traditionally supplied the famed Porto House of Dow. Vale do Bomfim represents a new style of table wine from the Upper Douro Valley, where the region's wealth of grape varieties, mature vineyards and modern winemaking have been successfully combined. Produce of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Barroca, hand‑selected and vinified at the Quinta do Sol, among the most modern winemaking facilities in Portugal; deep dark ruby in color with plump ripe red and dark berry aromas (one can almost sense the ripening clusters of grapes hanging in the vineyard just prior to harvest) along with suggestion of the lifted floral/resinous scent of the rock rose (known as Esteva in the Douro) and underpinned by the schistous vineyard floor itself; supple on entry, just this side of velvety in texture, medium to just medium‑full in body with a certain vibrancy and balancing edge of fruity acidity with just the gentlest tannins lending structure; then, long on flavor, fresh and mouthwatering to the finish. Among our best-selling popularly-priced red wines for years now and getting even better as the vintages roll by.

Produce of 51% Touriga Nacional, 26% Touriga Franca and 23% other traditional Douro varieties harvested from the Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand into 150 kg bins, then fermented in a combination of granite lagares, large oak, concrete and stainless steel vats. After malolactic fermentation, 20% of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 30% in large oak and the remainder in stainless steel for about 12 months. Saturated ruby/purple in color with suggestion of fleshy ripe wild berry and plum along with notions of baking spices and dusty summer sun-baked schistous soils; ample, just rich in texture on the palate, demonstrating balance with nicely resolved tannins holding everything in shape good and long on the flavorful, slow‑melting, mouthwatering finish. And, simply splendid value at its modest price.

«Esteva» in Portuguese translates to «rock rose» in English, which some insiders suggest also informs the aroma of fine Douro wine. Casa Ferreirinha Esteva Douro is produce of a typical Douro mingling of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, hand‑harvested and vinified at the winery of Quinta do Seixo. After soft destemming and crushing, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel vats with gentle maceration by means of pumping over at a temperature of 25°C preserving the grapey aromas. The wine spent the cool of winter at Quinta do Seixo in stainless steel and subject to low natural temperatures, which contributed to their natural clarification. Here and now, the wine is a lovely bright ruby in color with glints of a purple; grapey pomacey aromas implore one to dive on in, there's a hint of salinity as well and old‑fashioned № 2 pencil shavings insinuate the mineral rich soils in which the wine is grown; at once delightfully full and fruity and light on its feet with a fine edge of chalky tannins that keep things moving along crisp and fresh.

Terrific structure, depth of colour and flavour articulate an outstanding year. Great warp and weft of ripe fruit (blackberry, strawberry, plum, dried fig and jam) and signature savoury roast chestnut, smoky clove and leather notes, with hints of bergamot and white flowers. Unerring acidity and impeccably judged iron-filing tannins underpin and fan the flavours. Exceptionally long, retro-nasal finish. Prodigious. Drink 2021‑2045. Rated 98. - Sarah Ahmed, decanter.com March, 2021

A nice, seductive wine, with a velvety-textured core of warmed cherry and plum puree, backed by singed vanilla and a subtle sanguine thread on the finish. Delivers a late flicker of violet. Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Alfrocheiro. Drink now through 2024. 2,469 cases made, 250 cases imported. Rated 90. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, December, 2021

Of uncertain origin, the grape Alfrocheiro appeared in the early part of the last century in Portugal and is valued for its adaptability and for producing structured, deep‑colored wines. This Alfrocheiro of Quinta da Fonte Souto embodies all of the strengths of the property’s unique terroir: the freshness and balance afforded by elevation and the complexity and structure provided by mature, low‑yielding vines. Produce of 100% Alfrocheiro fruit sourced from two of its highest vineyards (at just over 500 metros, that's 1,640 feet in elevation) and not at all far beyond which lies the border with España, about 80% of the blend was aged 11 months in 2nd‑year 400‑litre French oak barrels. Deep, midnight ruby/purple in color with unique aromatic qualities that at once suggest the vinosity/complexity of the old world but the richness of new world fruit what with aspects of stony schistous soils and vibrant fresh fermentive scents of dark berries and spice (Symingtom themselves also note the influence of the nearby forest); plush and rich on entry, almost completely enveloping the palate, holding its shape well with gentle but present "peppery" tannins and berryish acidity and a warmth, a generosity, a persistence and freshness of flavor long on the finish. More rock solid evidence of the Alentejo advancing, amplifying, augmenting … The Alentejo is on the rise!

Produce of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca fruit vinified at Quinta do Seixo in Cima Corgo and Quinta da Leda in the Douro Superior: lovely deep midnight ruby in color with deep‑ pitched and complex old‑world aromas suggesting vinosity itself what with fermentive tarry dried berry and ripe plummy fruit, licorice, vanilla, cedar and tobacco; cool, ripe spicy fruit on entry; almost velvety in texture with ample round tannins delivering fine intense complex almost resinous flavors that resonate long and warm on the finish. In our humble estimation, this wine delivers what its name might reasonably imply — from great vines, uma grande bebida de vinho tinto (a great drink of red wine, that is).

Limpid amber/mahogany in color with aromas an oblique suggestion of roasted fruit (singed raisined Malvasia berries, really; Andrea noted dried apricot and orange blossom, as well), old wood, old leather, caramel, the scent of time passing/the scent of a time gone by, oh dear, one could spend all the moments of the late evening just nosing this; silken on entry onto the tongue, then, demonstrating more impact and warmth and concentration of flavor; even the intense heat of an Atlantic summer (or Texas summer, for that matter) leaves this wine unperturbed. How best to enjoy such? Well … this is a contemplative wine, for sure. So, to quote Supertramp, even in the quietest moments, yes, especially in the quietest, most contemplative moments or, perhaps, following the evening meal, with a bit of Queijo Serra da Estrela and a spot of marmelo alongside Marcona almonds or walnuts. Saboroso! Regularly $32.50 the bottle, on sale now at:

In the Graham's cellars the depiction of bunches of grapes on the cask ends has been used to signify a wine of Vintage Porto quality. Amongst these, six bunches denote the darkest and most full-bodied of such wines. One of Graham’s original Porto blends, Six Grapes is a true expression of the Graham’s house style with great richness and complexity — Graham's themselves refer to it as «everyday Porto for the lover of full-on Vintage Porto». Midnight ruby red in color with very primary aromas of ripe plum, prune, cherry, grape pomace, dried fig, tea leaf, bergamot, anise, cracked pepper, whoo, we could go on; rich, voluptuous even, on the tongue, then shows its warming grip with structure from velvety tannins; invigorating, fortifying, flavorful to the finish. And, a steal at the price!

Produce of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz fruit from Dow's Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira vineyards. Dense, midnight ruby in color alluring spiced plum and dark berry fruit served up on a backdrop of firm schistous soils and a touch of petrichor with a freshening hint of mint and alcaçuz; cool on entry, full in body with power and presence on the tongue and firm chewy tannins (Dow themselves refer to them as "peppery") lending structure and balancing the characteristic minimal sweetness of the house of Dow, finishing with notions of semi-dried wild berries and plums in brandy; wholly satisfying, fully fortifying Porto.

Blend dominated by Touriga Franca (41%) and Touriga Nacional (37%). Mainly picked eight days after the mid-September rain: initially deep, ripe and dense on the nose, opening up to reveal a scented berry fruit bouquet. Lovely plum and berry fruit on the palate supported by fine-grained, gravelly tannins and a long, structured finish. Combines depth and finesse in equal measure. Drink 2030‑2050. Rated 96. - Richard Mayson, decanter.com January, 2018.

The 2016 Dow’s Vintage Port is based around the Vinha dos Ecos vineyard behind Bomfim, populated predominantly by mature Touriga Franca vines that were cropped at just 0.68kg per vine. It has a quite astonishing bouquet with layer upon layer of intense black cherry and cassis fruit, touches of clove, leather and a hint of over-ripe Satsuma. This is a mercurial bouquet that keeps changing in the glass, revealing smoky/burning ember scents with time. The palate is quite magnificent – perfectly balanced with a killer thread of acidity slicing through such pure intense black fruit that there is no heaviness at all. There is a sense of thrust on the finish as it fans out with almost careless abandon, a Vintage Port so self-assured that you can only sit back in amazement. Simply one of the best Dow’s ever made. Drink 2030‑2086. Rated 98. - Neal Martin, vinous.com June, 2018. Regularly $112.50 the bottle, on sale now at:

This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055. 6,325 cases made, 3,000 cases imported. Rated 98. - James Molesworth, winespectator.com December 31, 2018

In a port tasting, tasting Graham's is almost like tasting a big, rich, succulent Merlot after a group of blockbuster, tannic Cabernets. Sweeter and more obvious than many ports, the opaque purple-colored 1994 is fruity, powerful, and rich, with an addictive hedonistic quality. It will be ready to drink in 8-10 years and keep for up to 30. As always, this is a showy, flamboyant port that has the advantage of being slightly sweeter than other 1994s. A great Graham's. Drink: 2002-2035. Rated 96. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate Issue 107, October, 1996

Dow’s Boardroom is a blend of fine Tawny Porto wines carefully selected from some of Dow’s top vineyards in the Upper Douro Valley. The grapes are hand harvested in the fall and fermented for a short period of time before the addition of 100% grape neutral spirits. This step arrests the fermentation, preserves the wine’s natural grape sugars and gives it its unique rich and compelling flavors. This is, to be sure, a somewhat more fresh version of tawny Porto, ruby/garnet in color at the core to just tawny at the edges with aromas suggesting raisined fruit gently fortified with grape spirit, candied orange peel, the resinous stem of the rock rose; slips gently, sweetly onto the tongue, warming, not at all overpowering, tantalizing and complex.

This is a lovely, if seemingly youthful, 10 year tawny, translucent garnet at the core in color to just sunset brickish orange-red at the edges with complex aromas suggestive of crystallized red and blue fruits, rhubarb, walnut, almond, all underpinned with a most welcome hint of the spirit that captured the fermentation in the first place; the texture is a very satisfying rich and silky with long, long flavors that conjure caramel, nuts and crisp dried red fruits with vivid nerve of ultra-fine tannins and the spirit itself serving as foundation. A much to be savored tender sweet kiss of a bevy goodnight.

While vintage Porto is bottled some 18 months following the vintage, Tawny Porto is aged almost entirely in cask, during this process throwing off its dark purple color in favor of a more "tawny" hue, leaving its sediments in cask rather than in the bottle, it's once grapey, plummy fruit transformed into something far more complex and, frankly, sublime — a veritable cornucopia of aromatic richness — bitter almond, caramel, walnut, citrus peel, raisin, prune, dried berry and cherry and perhaps a hint of brandy by campfire; oh so silken-textured, at once voluptuous and fiery, challenging and satisfying, with deliciously complex flavors that somehow so discreetly reprise those first highly suggestive aromas. Absolutely superb!