Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This rich, black-fruited wine has solid tannins that are balanced by a dense texture. A blend of fruit from different regions of Portugal and with five different grapes, the wine is still a little young. As its texture softens, this will be a smooth wine. $14.'

Wine Enthusiast 91/100 - BEST BUY ($14). My notes: My favorite of the three S&S reds: the original Red Blend, the new Spice Road Intense Red, and this Silk Route Smooth Red. The new White Blend is pretty tasty too. This is the least sweet of the reds, has the best acidity, and the most aroma and flavor range. It's indeed smooth, but not sweet. The finish is lasting. 91/100.

Touriga franca, tinta barroca, tinta roriz. Dark and fruity. Not syrupy sweet though. Douro ripe, black. Good acid. Fine tannin. Balanced. 91/100.

Northern Portugal's Douro River flows west from the Spanish border and empties into the Atlantic at Oporto. Long famous for it fortified wine, Port, it has turned increasingly to table wine production in view of declining consumer interest in strong wines. Tinta roriz, tinta barocca, touriga franca, touriga nacional; aged in vats. Fresh and sweet, led by roriz. Abundant too. Again, sweet fruited, Douro warm. There's a light measure of tannin grip in back. Well textured, balanced, priced. Broadbent knows Portugal. 91+/100.

Founded in 2007 by two of Portugal's most renowned oenologists; vineyards in Cima Corga and Douro Superior; 50% touriga franca, 30% touriga nacional, 20% tinta roriz. Dark maroon. This has impressive depth and density for the asking price. Douro through and through. Likeible degree of bouquet developing as well. Yes, a really meaty Douro constitution. What a satisfying, generous, hearty meal time wine for the bucks. 91/100.

Dark red black. Deep, sweet, and reserva well endowed. Rich, round, powerful but not too. Now here's a generous wine for the money. More bouquet to come but no obdurate tannins to preclude current service. Will stock. 91+/100.

Est. 1917; aged 6 months in French oak cooperage. My, this is both lushly and brightly fruity. Ideal Douro combo. Power gives presence without burn. Yeah, you have it both ways on the palate too, and, again, the power is nothing but a positive body builder. Good acid. Dusting of fine tannin in back keeps it dry and honest. 91/100. Attendees appreciated the amplitude and value; orders taken. 'Blackberry, depth, complexity.' 'Super dark, rich, and long.' 'Popular style and value.' 'Cooperage shows.' 'Prune, plum, smoke.' 'Rustic and powerful.'

60% touriga nacional, 25% tinta roriz, 15% touriga franca; 50-80 year old vines; foot pressed in granite lagares. Substantial yet also elegant. The class of nacional. Old vines depth and breadth of aromatic profile. Yes, elegant all the way. Mary's style superimposed on what are often obdurate tintos from this area. Bravo. This is very well priced indeed. 92/100.

Touriga nacional, touriga franca, petit verdot, petite sirah. The tourigas lead the way, thank goodness. The Portuguese varieties are primo. 91/100.

From schist soil of Douro Superior; 50% touriga nacional,40% touriga franca, 10% tinta roriz; whole cluster pressed; aged 8 months in French oak barrels. Dark, dark red violet. Oh, yes, the class, depth, and intensity of these proud Portuguese varieties uncompromised by Gucci French immigrant grapes. This is heavy duty stuff. Good fruit aroma statement becomes even more in evidence on the palate. The barrel time adds suavity and complexity but not 'woodiness'. Pretty awesome stuff for hearty fare now and large scale cellar promise. Barca Velha airs. 94+/100. Acknowledged 'big' by attendees. 'Very fruit driven red! Fresh blackberries here! There's rising aromatics with warming on the palate.' 'There's structure from fine grained tannins and acidity. No flabby fruit bomb red here.'

2021: Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: Touriga franca, touriga nacional, tinta roriz; 80% from vines planted in the 1990s; 20% from 60 to 100 year old vines; 30% aged in seasoned French oak barrels. Dark red violet. Black fruited to the core. One solid Douro tinto. Shows barrel age, seasoning complex. Surprisingly smooth and accommodating on the palate. Sweet fruited. Just the right degree of power for balance. Will take to beef and lamb right now. Fine tannin to see it through to bottle bouquet development. 92+/100.

Douro power, reserva barrel mellowed and broadened. Yes, really quite powerful, mouthfilling, tongue coating. Not obtrusively tannic. Still, I think there's more bouquet and suavity to come. 91+/100.

40% touriga nacional, 30% touriga franca, 20% tinta roriz, 10% sousao. Aged a year in seasoned American and French oak barrels. That's a reserva nose. Not so much 'woody' as tempered by aging in barrels. Douro large, powerful. Yes, the power and the barrel complexity fully evident on the palate too. Some drying tannins to resolve yet. Well composed, so will age well. 91+/100.

Est. 1990; 40% alfrocheiro, 30% each touriga nacional, aragonez. Very dense and terroir bound. Great value in a cellar worthy Dao. Yes, this is compact and full of good material, both fruit and mineral constructed core. A steal in age worthy red wine. 91+/100.' 'Spicy, fruit driven nose, juicy palate. Anise and floral tones. Lots of wine for the price. Easy and engaging, but not lacking structure.'

35% each touriga nacional, tinta roriz, 30% alfrocheiro. Dark red violet. Dao firmness, vintage coolness, solid granite foundation. Traditional terroir talk. Yeah, good grip and minerality. Some tannin, albeit fine grained. Food would take that up. Solid Dao rep. 91/100.

Touriga nacional, jaen, alfrocheiro. Aged eight months in heavily toasted barrels. Holding youthful color. Dao minerality. Solid granite foundation. Nice and dry and neat in cool 2021. Not as overtly fruity as the 2020.Charred wood extras; shades of bourbon. Sweetens up on the palate. Solid Dao structure. Rich fruit up front, mineral foundation in support. Less tannin and more acid than the delicious 2020. Same winemaker's hand, different growing season conditions. Very long, balanced finish. A worthy successor and equally awesome value. 92/100. Liked by many attendees and considered ready to drink.

60% touriga nacional, 40% tinta roriz. Terraced vineyards on granite in the high altitude Seia sub zone. Wow, that's full, that's big time Dao saturated with granite minerality. Just as full and granitic on the palate. Like licking a tombstone. That mineral core surrounded by plenty of fruit. Ample fruit presence in body, texture, and flavor of the class varietals. Of course, that's what Mary is looking for. Shows the way. Got to stock this one. 92+/100.

Beira Interior lies east of Dao and butts up against the Spanish border. 90% roriz, 10% jaen (mencia). 8 months in barrels, 1/3 French oak, 2/3 American oak. Fresh, dark, and youthful compared to the previous vintage on the market. 2021 lift. More intricate varietal aromas over barrel influence. Oh, but there's lots of barrel suavity and spicy savors. Good acid too. Say, this is special, and a fine representative of its DO. Got to have it. Lasting finish. 93/100.

Lisboa's multi-faceted winegrowing zones surround Portugal's capital and the mouth of the Tejo (Tagus) River midway along the country's length. Sweet fruited too. Less powerful and intense than the Douro that preceded it. Great acid. Vital, bright, uplifting. Perfectly fresh at age four. With plenty of fruit substance too. Impressive degree of elegance. 91/100.

Dark maroon. Black, dense, sweet, loaded. More ease and flow to the palate, thankfully. Geez, this is a lot of wine for the money. Balanced, flavorful. Good mouthfeel. Good dryness despite all the perfectly ripe fruit abundance. Deal. 91/100.

40% each syrah, castelao, 20% touriga nacional. Full color and ripeness. I'm not crazy about the syrah content, but it doesn't spoil the whole. Yeah, syrah kind of lends an international aspect. And some modernity. But, then, the Lisboa DO is a melting pot of Euro grape varieties thanks to its multiple terroirs. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed this as a chillable summer red. 'Very attractive; easy to enjoy; good fun.' 'Tasty stuff here; decent acid; not too much tannin.

Touriga franca, alicante bouschet, touriga nacional, tinta roriz, caladoc, castelao, syrah; Gold Medal - 95/100, New York International Wine Competition. Boy, one heavy bottle for a screwcap. The greater coolness that maritime influence and more northern latitude impart. Complex range of aromatics that its wide varietal makeup foster. Really quite sophisticated for the price. More straight forward on the palate; narrower flavor than aroma range. All fits in place well though; well balanced, of satisfying weight and flow, and good aftertaste. 91/100.

Tinta roriz, touriga nacional, syrah; with 15th century roots, one of the oldest estates of the Lisbon area. Also roriz led, but a totally different animal. The other two varieties plus the terroir change the game. Plus it has spicy extras that read time in cooperage. I smell a deal. Suave, sweet, gentle, complex, inviting. Flavorful, well balanced, and the most forward of the three 2020 reds. Deal indeed. 92/100. Widely liked for both oak smoke and spice and pure black raspberry fruit noted by all three commentators.

Est. 1755; 60% touriga nacional, 30% cab sauv, 10% syrah; aged a year, part in seasoned French oak barrels. Oh, that's touriga nacional large and important. Sweet fruited for cool 2021. Doesn't back off a bit from its predecessor except that the oak element is much shyer. Full and complicated range of varietal inputs on the palate. The French varieties are in sync and seem natural fits to the whole picture here. Mental as well as sensual stimulation..at ten bucks! 91/100. Widely appreciated among attendees, especially at the price. 'Explosive fruit statement on the palate.'

Est, 1755; 50 - 50; from Vale Encantado; elevations from 70 to 450 meters. Black fruit concentrate, power beyond its statement, superb harmony of its two constituents. Penetrating perfume. Lush, smooth, rich, flavorful, balanced, generous. No tannin issues. Gives and gives. And look at the price! 92/100. Enjoyed by all. 'Super fruity; both grapes show up; very long; great fun.' 'Fruit driven, spicy, juicy, fresh, low tannin; pound-able.'

From Alenquer. Dark red violet. Cabernet black and solidity. Maritime cabernet style. Sweet black fruits and berries. Not cabernet tannic or obstinate so desirable drinking already. I applaud the effort. And the price. 91/100.

Northeast of Lisbon stretches the Tejo River, vines growing along its central banks. 1/3 each syrah, castelao, touriga nacional. 9 months in French oak barrels. Dark grape varieties, dark color. A purple cast even. The fruit mass plus the barrel seasoning and leavening. Pretty awesome, large scale, and complex nose for a wine at this price. Juicy fruit acid adds balance to the palate. Medium-full bodied. Oak and warm spices play out on the finish. Intellectually as well as sensually stimulating. 92+/100.

25% each touriga franca, touriga nacional, petit verdot, petite syrah. Freshness exemplary of tintos from this high sub zone of Alentejo. I'm not crazy about the French varieties in Portuguese tintos, but they fit in place pretty well here. A large, rich, powerful, southern Portugal wine. Round and inviting, the area varieties to the fore, thankfully. I just don't see where the French ones represent more than just an experiment. At this price, it won't disappoint though. 91/100.

From indigenous grape varieties. Typical, sweet smelling tinto likely from lower altitude vineyards of this warm, inland, southeast Portugal region. An attractive spiciness develops with aeration. And satisfying richness. And that all reverberates on the palate. Good acid, so well balanced. Flavorful and lasting. Good value. 91/100. 'Nice, juicy black fruits, touch of seasoned oak.' 'Vanilla on palate, fine tannins, good acidity, good value.'

Alentejo lies southeast of the Tejo River, running from the center-south east to the Spanish border. 30% each aragonez, trincideira, and syrah, 10% cab sauv; aged four months in French oak barrels; Wine Enthusiast 92/100. Properly modern, warm and robust tinta of Portugal's southeast interior. This has some extra depth and range compared to the regional standard. Thanks to a compelling and compatible assembly of grape varieties and the barrel aging regimen. Full, complex, and pretty accomplished for 2020 at age four. Original fruit core, developing bottle bouquet aura. Bright fruit flavors and acidity. Rich, even lush, on the palate. Plenty of dry extract for texture. Wears its alcohol well. Not a sultry sort. Kudos to the maker. I can see the rating. Long and even keeled aftertaste. 92/100.

At Reguengos de Monsaraz; 40% aragonez, 35% trincadeira, 20% touriga nacional, 5% syrah. Freshness, coolness, and black fruit of one of Alentejo's highest zones. A lot of depth to the nose. Round and rich in the mouth; a rightful Alentejo. Adequate acid fo r balance. No tannin showing. 91/100. 'Super rich but also fresh and clean.' 'Dark fruit driven; approachable in every way.'

Aragonez, syrah, trincadeira, alicante bouschet. Aged eight months in seasoned barriques. Plenty of sweet and generous, youthful fruit still and good and spicy barrel contributions. Yes, this is fruity, sweet tasting. Rich, savory, enticing. A great value. 91/100.

Fermented and aged a year in French oak barrels, 1/3 new. Larger, drier from barrel time, and more backward. Serious, complicated, potent stuff. Nobility of touriga nacional shows through, proving that it's up to the barrel regimen. Ambitious and ageworthy, as vintages tasted when older proved out. It's neither dry nor tannic so useful now with hearty fare. Much more aromatic range and depth to come. 92+/100. Attendees were keen on this, comments paralleling mine. 'Super rich, lots of extraction, not much tannin.' 'Ambitious; French oak shows; structured, latent.'

80% aragonez, 20% alicante bouschet, vines planted in 2002 in the Mourao sub zone; fermented and aged in French oak barrels. Clearly from a higher, cooler zone of the region than is the Sao Miguel. More race and aromatic clarity. Cool customer. Smooth, suave, flowing, flavorful. Good acid. Sense of time in seasoned cooperage. Well coordinated and inviting of current drinking. 91/100. Popular with attendees. . 'Mature yet very alive; tastes right; no obvious oak.' 'Cooler than the Sao Miguel; easy to like; good texture, balance, clarity.'

Algarve, southernmost of Portugal's wine regions, is the country's Riviera. Boosted by tourist demand, its wines do not come cheap. Est. late 19th century; negramole; from Portugal's riviera; new to market region. Sweet and warm and southern. Smooth. Unique. Good fruit, acidity, and very light touch of tannin. Balanced and lasting. 91/100. Now in my 60th year in the wine trade, this is the first time I've tasted an Algarve wine.

10%. From the Amarante sub region, Vinho Verde's highest; vineyards at 1000 to 2000 meters; vinhao (aka sousao), widest planted red grape in the DO, known for its high acidity. The lowest alcohol (and calorie) rose we've encountered in a long while. Blush pink color. Satisfying red peels aroma and texture presence as well as an emphasis on cool refreshment. Strawberry and red raspberry. Lithe, with just the right measures of acidity and red peels extracts to form a balancing act with its modest strength. Porch, deck, picnic, brunch, lunch apps. 91/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Huge fun!' ' Very clean and fresh and delish.' ' Lovely color and super value.'

Est. 18th century; sub region of Basto in the Tamega river valley; azal, arinto, loureiro. Aromatic largesse of these premium, scented VV varieties. Boy, that's a good, cool nose-ful in 2024. Suave, sweetly fruity, and a full of flavor as aroma. Can't recall a better vintage of this. Kudos. 92/100. Very popular with attendees. WOTN for several. Orders taken. 'Exceptionally rich and flavorful; Value of the Evening.' 'Super nose and flavors; good value for sure.' 'Crisp green apple; long finish; well done.' 'Balanced palate and acid, texture and richness.'

Arinto, azal, loureiro, and trajadura. Pear, peach, and flowers. Marks of the superior, aromatic VV varieties. Rangy representation. Equal flavor spread and intensity. We thought last week's VV (Calcada) was a bargain. This one's a player at $2 less. 91/100.

From an estate between the Lima and Vez rivers and the varieties loureiro and treixadura; cooperative bottled. With warmth and aeration, the bright aromatic varieties, reticent at opening, really pour through. Cool, limey edge. Which extends to the palate, supported by refreshing spritz. This has been a reliable VV value for years, never more so than over recent vintages. 91/100. Well liked by attendees. 'One the better examples we've had.' ' Very fresh, clean and flavorful.' 'Very long and great value.'

Low key aromatics but not light, green, and dilute like the cheaper spreads. More fruit flavor display on the palate. Light spritzy feel. Good richness, not at the expense of refreshment. Flavors build through the finish. Warmth and aeration definitely bring it forth. 90/100.

70-30; from the higher, warmer sub region of Amarante. Upon opening, firmer and less fruity than the 2023, though that was probably tasted when a few months older. I like the form and figure. The latent fruit quality of the ingredients lurks. And comes forth with boldness on the palate. Stays somewhat unresolved as a whole. 91+/100. Aeration brought this on big time. WOTN for several attendees. 'Really special.' 'Lovely rich nose and palate.' 'Very Vinho Verde in spades.' 'Crisp and refreshing summertime seafood special.'

60% arinto, 30% azal, 10% loureiro. Very lively Vinho Verde spritz. The upscale, pungent varieties are here in all their glory. This really sings!/ Spritz adds dryness to the quality varietals' fruitiness. This really hangs together well for me. So far, seems to be an ideal Vinho Verde vintage. Long, flavorful aftertaste. Totally refreshing too. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees. 'Aromatic yet mineral driven too.' 'Good richness and body; very solid; balanced.'

40 year old vines in schist and granite soils; the owners are tile makers, the label an image of their craft. The class fragrance and discretion of alvarinho and superior terroir. Spot on. Ripe pear and peach and orange citrus, with floral overtones. Like the Fume, the acid is surprisingly vital, giving ideal balance to the palate presentation. Indeed, flavorful and total harmonious in the mouth with a long finish. 92/100. Another attendee favorite. 'Beautiful nose, nice acidity, long finish.' 'Big, white fruit nose; well extracted; salty minerality too. Right for seafood.'

Est. 1982; two of the best sub zones of Vinho Verde and closest to the river; first family estate to plant a solid vineyard of alvarinho, the area's top grape. Best Cork Award. Shy at first, it grows as it warms to show the best and most aromatic face of Vinho Verde: alvarinho. Exceptional substance in its field too. Elegant flavor set; a class act. Spells top grape and top zone. Not a Vinho Verde aperitif sort, this has main course apps. 91/100. Positive attendee comments: 'Bright, fresh nose.' 'Flowers, mountains, and sea.'

30% malvasia fina, 30% viosinho, 25% goevelo, 15% rabigato; 35 year old vines; foot pressed in granite lagares. Pleasing light citrus scent befitting the zone's whites. Flavors confirm. Fresh, with good acidity and an underlying sense of terroir. Versatile at the table; not pushy. 91/100.

Bright, minerally, granite based white Dao. I had a different one from the same vintage a couple of days ago, and it spoke the same language. White Dao sustains. Tangy, lemony flavor and good acidity. Well balanced wine at this stage begging for food. 91/100.

Est. 1990; 40% encruzado, 20% each bical, malvasia fina, cerceal branco. More fruit than in white Daos of old, and all the better for it. The fruit's subtle though, and the granite terroir basis remains fully evident. Well fashioned. Yes, an ideal combo of fruit and minerality. Fully accomplished for summer enjoyment. And look at the price! Third desirable white Dao we've tasted in the last few months, after a years-long drought. 91/100. Well liked all around.

In the high altitude Seia subzone; 35% encruzado, 32% malvasia fina, 19% bical, 14% gouveio; native yeasts. Wow, stony. Smell the granite. Classic, timeless. Seems like it will never grow old. Even with the malvasia component, this is much more about terroir than about fruit. It does have a fruity soft spot though. Not at all an austere palate. Yes, the fruit is still plump, with a firm mineral foundation. Well balanced and surely meal worthy. Mary scores on style once again. 92/100. Continued to impress for its stony aroma and flavor. Even earned some fruit aromatics with aeration.

Antao vaz, verdelho, vermentino, viognier. Deep yellow gold. Golden toned on the nose too. Full, and at a good stage of maturity. Lots of extract, grip, material. Full bodied and texture. Lingering, with a refreshing astringency on the finish, Demands food. 91/100.

Lightly fruity nose. Kinda my image of a Lisbon white. What grape varieties? Good and versatile. Yeah, just enough fruit, good body, texture, balance. Wide meal time apps indeed. 91/100.

Artao vaz, roupeiro, and perrum. One wine, and three new grape varieties added to my life list. Pleasing, subtle, soft white fruit aroma. Nicely settled in. That 2021 acid is really bright and brisk. Great mouthfeel. Refreshing meal time white. 91/100. List price: $20.

90% arinto, 10% vermentino; aged 3 months in new French oak barrels. These aromatic varieties have aged gracefully. From both barrel and bottle age, there's a dried fruit and nut bouquet added to the original stone fruit expressions. This works for me on the nose. Well, the oak is even more emphatic on the palate. Therefore, a little aggressive at this stage. All the same, I applaud the maker's striving for uniqueness. A cool customer from a warm land. Bravo. 92/100. Left a positive impression on attendees. 'Lots of oak!' 'Long, distinctive.'

Est. late 19th century; crato branco; from Portugal's riviera; new to market region. New variety to me and a new aromatic profile. White fruit, pear in particular. Yes, Bartlett. Cool and refreshing. 91/100. Very popular with attendees. Wine of the Night for one. 'Lightly aromatic, chalky, long.' 'Breathes well.' 'Unique!'

Same producer as Mateus rose; 17 g/l sweetness. A pleasant, low key, fruity nose. No attempts at lees influence. Tastes drier than smells. The mousse is fine. The fruit is likely low toned. Say, this all hangs together pretty well. Super aperitif, party, brunch, deck, picnic quaffer. Bravo. 91/100. Attendees were likewise pleased, considering it good fun and a good value, also noting it seemed drier than its RS statement would suggest.