2005 Dao Reserva, Quinta da Espinhosa (Portugal):
On one of my Newark Portuguese wine hunting expeditions I notice a wine from a totally obscure producer and decide to roll the dice (since it is only $10). A bit of webs searching reveals very little: this is indeed a little known producer, without a website or other note. Color is fairly deep, but not as inky as some of these wines can be (this particular blend is 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Tinta Roriz, aka Tempranillo). Nose develops over the course of a few hours: a bit of dark fruit, prune, powdered rock. Dark raspberry and leather on the palate, but some firm tannins that clamp down on the finish. Hints of roses and bitter orange. Something makes me think of cru Beaujolais, but the overall impression is distinctly Portuguese/Dao. Maybe could use a bit more richness or concentration, but works well as a food wine. Decent value and interesting wine for little money. 13.5 % abv.