On the Road with the Grape Guy

Report from - An Evening with Adolfo Hurtado of Cono Sur ... June 5, 2012

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Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy

It’s been so long since I had this dinner that I can barely remember where it was held; thankfully I took copious notes (which I just found).  This dinner was hosted by Adolfo Hurtado, head winemaker of Cono Sur and was in honour of the new brand re-launch and update of the labels.  We’ve all seen Cono Sur wines on the shelf at our local liquor store – and most likely you have bought a bottle or two based on their amazing price-point … then you probably bought a few more bottles based on the quality that was in the bottle:  price + value + good tasting wine = a consistently good buy – and that’s what Cono Sur wines are all about.

Tonight we tasted 10 wines, including two bubblies, three Chardonnay, two Pinot Noirs, a Syrah and two Cabernets – here’s my take on my top 6 … really it’s a Top 5 with a special mention: (check out the wines and the pictures, here)

To read about more interesting adventures thru the world of wine check out the On the Road With the Grape Guy blog.

Report from - Wines of Portugal Grand Tasting ... May 17, 2012

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Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy

Everything listed is a red wine unless otherwise noted … two things to take away from this tasting:

1) Portugal makes very good red wine – 2) Port is (still) awesome, and why more people aren’t drinking it is beyond me:

3.5-star wines (*** ½) …
Bacalhoa: Quinta do Carmo 2008
Casa Santos Lima: Lab 2011
Dao Sul: Quinta des Tecedeires Reserva 2009
Jose Maria da Fonseca: Quinta de Camarate 2008
Terra d’Alter: Fado Special Selection 2010

3.5+ -star wines (*** ½+) …
Pocas: Vale de Cavalos 2009
Herdade da Comporta: Chao des Rolas 2010
Senhora do Convento: Vintage 2003 (PORT)

4-star wines (****) …
Bacalhoa: Quninta do Carmo Reserva 2008
Casa Santos Lima: Monte das Promessas 2010
Pocas: Pocas NV Special Reserva Tawny (PORT)
J. Portugal Ramos: Marques de Barba 2011
Jose Maria da Fonseca: Periquita Superyor 2008
Quinta do Infantado: Reserva 2009
Portugallwines: Valdazar 2009
Sogevinus: Veedha DOC Douro Red 2009
Sogevinus: Calem Colheita 1998 (PORT)
Terras d’Alter: Terra d’Alter Alicante Bouschet 2009
Senhora do Conento: Vintage 1999 (PORT)

4+ - star wines (****+) …
J. Portugal Ramos: Vila Santa Reserva 2010
Jose Maria da Fonseca: Hexagon 2007
Herdade da Comporta: Parus 2009

4.5-star wines (**** ½) ...
Pocas: Colheita 1994 (PORT)
Qunita do Infantado: Porto LBV 2007 (PORT)

To read about more interesting adventures thru the world of wine check out the On the Road With the Grape Guy blog.