Casa Ferreirinha 'Vinha Grande' 2003

Douro, MOP$83, cork seal

I do drink a lot of Portuguese wine. This bottle is another purchase from Macau, where there seems to be a never ending supply of good value wines for midweek drinking. Sourcing fruit from the sub regions of Cima Corgo and Douro Superior it's made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz grapes.

This is dark and intense; almost black with just a bit of garnet around the rim. This smells rich and luscious with hints of dusty chalk and sweet oak, but it’s really just about fruit, black fruit, lots of black fruit. Tasting this there’s an initial wallop of sweetness and plenty fruit; I’m thinking plums and boysenberries. There’s also the richness of coffee and caramel flavours. It has a long finish and plenty of big integrated tannin. The touch of warmth on the finish is pleasant rather than ungainly. Casa Ferreirinha 'Vinha Grande' 2003 is a nice wine, but you’ve got to like the sweet, rich style.

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