Le Sommelier Inc.

Video 1 and Video 2

Varietals: 50% Touriga Nacional, 25% Aragonês,  15% Cabernet Sauvignon,  10% Syrah

Soil Type: Poor and rocky, of granitic origin

Maturation: 50% of the wine had 9 months in French oak barrels (fine grain medium toast +) the rest aged in steel tanks

Alcohol: 14.5%

Tasting Notes: Blending local and indigenous grapes to create a new style of wine is becoming a Portuguese specialty, and this Gold Medal-winning wine is a fine example. This combo of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragónes and Cabernet Sauvignon is appropriately named. Attractive raspberry, blackcurrant, plum and a hint of black olive aromas are front and centre. Juicy and balanced with an appealingly dry finish. Match it to grilled steaks, roast beef or lamb shanks. (VINTAGES panel, July 2009)

Reviews:

"A screaming pink-fuchsia label and capsule belies the power and concentration of this blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragones, Cabernet and Syrah. Dense purple colour with an earthy, smoky, blackberry nose; full-bodied with sweet blackberry and dark chocolate flavours and lively acidity. Rustic but raunchy." ****1/2 (89) pts Tony Aspler. Picked as wine of the week on Tony Aspler:The Wine Guy .

"Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonês and Cabernet. Dark, spicy, smoky, grilled peppers and fresh coffee grounds. The palate is fullish, rich, succulent, moderately tannic and decently balanced, finishing on heavy, woody flavours. Serve with intensely flavoured grilled meats and such now or hold short term." 88 pts , John Szabo, MS, Wine Acces First In Line .

2007 SEXY medals:

Gold medal at the CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES

Silver medal at the INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE

Bronze medal at the CHALLENGE INTERNACIONAL DU VIN